What does a Lab Manager do?

Lab managers ensure a laboratory operates smoothly by scheduling staff, reordering supplies, and maintaining all security protocols and standards. They utilize managerial skills, and lab safety know-how to ensure laboratories are safe and continue to operate without a hiccup. They take responsibility for all aspects at the lab, which includes tracking and monitoring equipment, watching out for employees, monitoring and replenishing supplies, software security, and documentation of events.

Lab managers also train lab technicians and assistants on the correct use of equipment and mentor and discipline lab staff when necessary. They ensure their employees follow industry standards and safety regulations for the handling and disposal of test samples. They maintain a schedule that tracks lab equipment used and time for staff members, and they are responsible for purchasing lab supplies or preparing an ordering list. They often handle security documents and ensure all information and data collected in the lab is kept safe. Lab managers need a bachelor's degree in business, management, or related fields.

What responsibilities are common for Lab Manager jobs?
  • Design, implement, and oversee the laboratory's quality management program.
  • Meet with nursing and other hospital staff as needed.
  • Implement policies and procedures as relates to specific area.
  • Review, monitor, track and trend technical and employee performance.
  • Coordinate on-site training for new and existing staff members.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of laboratory operations.
  • Extend customer service to include all internal and external customers.
  • Ensure communication of laboratory data and appropriate result reporting.
  • Release samples to laboratory personnel and communicate due dates and update turnaround times.
  • Lead the handling and resolution of complex issues and complaints.
  • Responsible for all employees working at all Labs On Demand facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and system regulations to provide a safe operation.
  • Ensure compliance with all corporate policy procedures in the laboratory.
  • Expand the lab's research portfolio by helping to develop new research projects and proposals.
  • Establish and maintain all laboratory records in accordance with specifications.
  • Ensure supplies are available as required for lab sessions.
  • Recommend measures to improve testing procedures, use of equipment, and needs for new equipment.
  • Monitor, analyze and justifies expense and revenue within departments.
What are the typical qualifications for Lab Manager jobs?
  • Bachelor's Degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with R Language, ASCP, BSL-3, and Pytest processes and systems.
  • Able to deploy dexterity and attention to detail during projects.
  • A leader, critical thinker, and problem solver.
  • Fluency in statistics, spreadsheets, budget planning, cost analysis, and computing.
  • Demonstrated time management acumen.
  • Will strive for continuous improvement.
  • Can collaborate with other team members and clients to solve problems and run programs.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.5 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.5 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

Lab Manager Salaries near Ireland

Average Base Pay

€62,399 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Lab Manager Career Path

Learn how to become a Lab Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Lab Manager

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
10%
2 - 4
49%
5 - 7
25%
8+
16%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Lab Manager Insights

Read what Lab Manager professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Roane State Community CollegeRoane State Community College
Laboratory Supervisor
1 Jun 2023

“No tangible opportunities for career growth in my field without continued education and more money spent.”

LabcorpLabcorp
Lab Supervisor
22 Jun 2023

“Merit increases: Received "outstanding" performance review and only got a 4% increase.”

UNDPUNDP
Head of Experimentation
14 Dec 2021

“The mission and everything we did was involved in human socioeconomic development; it was an amazing way of working in projects.”

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversitySefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Lab Demonstrator
9 Jul 2022

“Their pay was good and reasonable”

Oak Ridge National LaboratoryOak Ridge National Laboratory
Stable Isotope Laboratory Manager
27 Sept 2021

“Everything is amazing and great quality of work”

National University of SingaporeNational University of Singapore
Research Lab Manager
20 Apr 2021

“Good place to work and friendly”

Main Line HealthMain Line Health
Lab Supervisor
14 May 2021

“Best place to work and excel”

Tempus LabsTempus Labs
Clinical Lab Associate
22 Aug 2022

“I am apart of one of the pre analytics teams and I truly love my position!”

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Lab Manager Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Lab Manager

The most similar professions to Lab Manager are:
  • Lab Assistant
  • Laboratory Analyst
  • Lab Technician
  • Research Assistant

Related Careers

Lab Assistant
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Laboratory Analyst
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Lab Technician
€31,424
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Research Assistant
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Lab Manager jobs