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Science Lab Manager Jobs in Wake Forest, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Science Lab Manager information

See Wake Forest, NC salary details

$27.9K

$78.9K

$127.8K

How much do science lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for science lab manager in Wake Forest, NC is $78,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $95,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science lab manager?

To thrive as a Science Lab Manager, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, leadership experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with lab management software, safety protocols, inventory systems, and regulatory compliance certifications is essential. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring a safe, efficient environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining high laboratory standards, supporting research goals, and ensuring safety and compliance.

What does a science lab manager do?

A Science Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring that it runs efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities include managing lab staff, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They may also assist with budgeting, training new staff, and supporting research activities. Science Lab Managers play a crucial role in enabling scientific research and education by keeping the lab organized and functional.

What is the difference between Science Lab Manager vs Science Technician?

AspectScience Lab ManagerScience Technician
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in science, management experienceAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, ensures safetyPerforms experiments, maintains equipment, supports research
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, educational institutions, biotech companiesLaboratories, research facilities, educational settings

The Science Lab Manager primarily oversees lab operations, staff, and safety protocols, requiring management skills and relevant degrees. In contrast, the Science Technician focuses on conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and supporting research activities. Both roles are essential in scientific environments but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by science lab managers, and how can they be addressed?

Science Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab supervision, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and managing inventory within budget constraints. To address these, effective time management, regular communication with staff, and thorough documentation of protocols are essential. Building strong relationships with vendors and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the team can also help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth lab operations.
Infographic showing various Science Lab Manager job openings in Wake Forest, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,875 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Lab Manager - Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG193849EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Lab Manager - Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($65,000-$70,000) Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences About the Department
The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) encompasses diverse disciplines in research extension and teaching. Our programs combine the disciplines of chemistry, engineering, microbiology, food, bioprocessing, nutrition, and sensory science. FBNS is home to 3 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. We provide a world-renowned education and engage with a variety of stakeholders to solve diverse industry-related problems that involve research, education and extension services. We build professional and industry relationships and active partnerships with national corporate and government centers, including USDA programs. Home to more than 100 faculty and staff who work with and guide some 500 students, we are spread over a growing network of departmental facilities in North Carolina - Schaub Hall and the Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery in Raleigh, the Plants for Human Health Institute in Kannapolis, and the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City. FBNS is one of 12 academic departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. 
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) is seeking applications from highly motivated and qualified scientists to manage and oversee the teaching laboratories and research activities in pilot plants that are associated with the FBNS programs, who can bring together management skills and the knowledge of safety and lab procedures as well as being interested in ensuring all laboratories operate smoothly. This includes maintaining all equipment in working order to be ready for use.
The successful candidate is expected to be curious, adaptive, and able to make suggestions and work closely with faculty and staff to support laboratory-based learning, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative laboratory environment. The incumbent will also be expected to actively engage and interact with undergraduate and graduate students who use the teaching facilities and equipment therein. The chosen candidate must have excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills, in addition to being precise, self-aware, and a team player.
Essential job duties will include:
  • Responsible for teaching lab spaces and pilot plants, including management of equipment, supplies, software, and documentation.
  • Schedule the use of equipment and spaces.
  • Train students on the correct use of lab equipment and specific laboratory techniques.
  • Maintain records for training, equipment use, costs, safety documentation, and sanitation.
  • Create an organized, clean, and sanitary space.
  • Perform basic equipment and instrumentation setup, operation, and maintenance.
  • Receive, assemble, test, and put into service machinery, instrumentation, and equipment.
  • Reorder supplies and assess upcoming laboratory supply needs.
  • Prepare and maintain security and safety standards.
  • Work independently, use good judgment, and troubleshoot technical activities.

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other Responsibilities
  • Stay updated with scientific literature, developing and adapting protocols in consultation with the course instructor.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized laboratory equipment, utilizing it innovatively for required assays.
  • Design and troubleshoot lab protocols, experiments, and data collection methods; analyze experimental data as needed.
  • Oversee laboratory logistics, including budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards; provide training to staff and students in laboratory techniques and safety.
  • Manage day-to-day lab operations, from scheduling to record-keeping, ensuring a functional, safe, and compliant environment.
  • Serve as a primary lab resource, offering guidance on methodologies and assisting with production tasks as available.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Relevant Baccalaureate (4-year) degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
  • One or more years of lab or pilot plant management or related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to train and oversee others in complex procedures, equipment use, and safety compliance, ensuring adherence to quality control and safety standards.
  • Ability to manage lab resources, inventory, and facilities, including budgeting and expenditure monitoring for smooth operations.
  • Able to serve as a skilled resource in specialized procedures, coordinating multiple projects and adapting protocols with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in food science or related area and 2-3 years of relevant experience in a food science lab, research, engineering, or industrial setting. Relevant experience might include but is not limited to chemistry, rheology, lab procedures, and knowledge of GMP standards and requirements.
  • Experience with research findings through demonstrations, presentations, and publications; assist in grant writing and proposal development.
  • Experience with collecting, analyzing, and documenting experimental data, adapting methods as needed to maintain accuracy, validity, and quality.
  • Knowledge and ability to modify research methodologies based on data and literature, applying scientific principles to refine techniques and quality control processes.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 12/10/2024 Anticipated Close Date Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.
Position Details
Position Number 00111183 Position Type Exempt Professional Staff Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 111101 - Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887