Laboratory Manager

Laboratory managers oversee the operations of many different types of laboratories, including medical, criminal, research and research and development labs.

Summary

Lab managers bring together their managerial skills and knowledge of safety and lab procedures to ensure that laboratories operate smoothly. Managerial duties generally include scheduling staff, reordering supplies and maintaining security standards. A bachelor's degree in a laboratory-related area and several years of experience are usually required for a lab manager position.  

Successful lab managers strive to run their laboratories safely and efficiently. They take responsibility for all aspects of the labs where they work, including equipment, employees, supplies, software and documentation. However, lab managers' specific job duties can vary drastically depending upon the type of laboratory they work in.

These professionals complete an array of duties. They train lab technicians and assistants on the correct use of lab equipment, in addition to mentoring and disciplining lab staff. Lab managers make sure their employees follow industry standards and safety regulations for handling and disposing of test samples.

It's a lab manager's job to schedule lab or equipment use time for staff. Some lab managers also are responsible for purchasing lab supplies or preparing ordering lists. They often handle security documents and must ensure that all information and data collected in the lab is kept safe. This is especially relevant in government laboratories and can involve the use of special software and computers.

 

Educational Requirements

Generally, companies prefer to hire lab managers with a bachelor's degree. A 4-year degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or other health and science fields can equip students to enter this profession.

 

Salary Information 2023

According to payscale.com, the median salary of a Laboratory Manager in 2023 was $109,173.

 

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• Clinical Laboratory Management Association LinkedIn Group
• List of Professional Organizations 

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• Lab Managers
• Clinical Laboratory Management Association Career Center
• Association of Public Health Laboratories
• ASCP Career Center
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Information retrieved from Best Accredited Colleges: How to Become a Laboratory Manager and Best Accredited Colleges: Lab Manager Job Description, Duties and Requirements.