Laboratory Manager Jobs in California
Laboratory Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, and food and beverage quality assurance, with openings at every level from bench-lead to senior director. The heaviest hiring clusters around the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where anchor employers like Kaiser Permanente, Genentech, and Quest Diagnostics maintain large laboratory operations. The most in-demand specialties are clinical laboratory management, bioanalytical method development, and environmental compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 37+ Laboratory Manager jobs
Company Description
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.
The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organization services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralized and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.
2025, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 7.296 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
Job Description
Position Overview
Eurofins Advantar Laboratories is seeking a Laboratory Manager – Microbiology to lead microbiology operations at our San Diego site supporting pharmaceutical and medical device clients.
This is a people leadership role responsible for overseeing laboratory operations through lab supervisors and team leads, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely delivery of testing services in a regulated environment.
The Laboratory Manager serves as the execution and technical leader of the department, accountable for laboratory performance across Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Microbiology testing functions. This role operates at a management level, leading leaders, and driving outcomes through effective team structure, technical oversight, and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead and manage laboratory operations through:
- Set direction, priorities, and expectations for the laboratory organization
- Ensure strong leadership alignment and accountability at the supervisor/lead level
- Build and maintain a high-performing, scalable team and develop talent.
Laboratory Operations (Execution Ownership)
- Oversee execution of microbiology and environmental monitoring testing, including:
- Sterility, bioburden, endotoxin, and related compendial methods
- Environmental monitoring programs (on-site and off-site)
- Ensure laboratory performance consistently meets:
- Turnaround time (TAT) commitments
- Quality and regulatory standards
- Client delivery expectations across timelines, scope, and output quality
- Own reliable and predictable delivery of laboratory services, ensuring work is executed in a manner that supports strong client outcomes
- Partner with Project Management to align laboratory capacity and execution with client needs and commitments
- Manage laboratory workflow, prioritization, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery
- Ensure laboratory operations are executed in a cost-conscious and efficient manner, optimizing labor and materials
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and their teams
- Oversee:
- Hiring and onboarding
- Performance management and development planning
- Organizational structure and staffing alignment
- Establish a culture of:
- accountability
- continuous improvement
- technical excellence
Technical Leadership (Pharma / Medical Device Focus)
- Serve as technical subject matter expert for microbiology operations
- Ensure adherence to:
- cGMP and regulated laboratory standards
- USP microbiology methods
- Support:
- technical escalations
- investigations and troubleshooting
- Represent the laboratory in audits and client technical discussions
Quality & Compliance
- Maintain compliance with:
- cGMP, GDP, ISO, and USP standards
- Lead or support:
- Deviations / OOS investigations
- CAPAs and change controls
- Ensure audit readiness for:
- FDA, ISO, and client audits
Client Technical Interface
- Act as technical representative for clients as needed
- Partner with Project Management to support:
- technical discussions
- issue resolution
- capability alignment
Laboratory Infrastructure & Equipment
- Ensure:
- Qualification, maintenance, and calibration of equipment
- Oversee:
- Equipment lifecycle and implementation of new technologies
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related life science
- 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or medical device laboratory environment
- 2+ years of leadership experience, including experience supervising laboratory staff or team leads in a regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of:
- cGMP and regulated lab environments
- USP microbiology methods
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading multi-team lab operations (EM + Microbiology)
- Experience managing supervisors or functional leads
- Experience supporting regulatory or client audits
- Advanced degree (MS or higher) in Microbiology or related life science preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to lead through layered team structures
- Strong operational leadership and execution discipline
- Technical depth in microbiology and regulated testing
- Ability to balance:
- technical rigor
- operational efficiency
- team development
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Additional Information
Position is full-time, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of San Diego, CA are encouraged to apply.
Pay Range: $85,000 – $115,000 per year depending on related experience
Excellent full time benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
Eurofins USA BioPharma Services is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Company Description
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.
The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organization services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralized and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.
2025, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 7.296 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
Job Description
Position Overview
Eurofins Advantar Laboratories is seeking a Laboratory Manager – Microbiology to lead microbiology operations at our San Diego site supporting pharmaceutical and medical device clients.
This is a people leadership role responsible for overseeing laboratory operations through lab supervisors and team leads, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely delivery of testing services in a regulated environment.
The Laboratory Manager serves as the execution and technical leader of the department, accountable for laboratory performance across Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Microbiology testing functions. This role operates at a management level, leading leaders, and driving outcomes through effective team structure, technical oversight, and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead and manage laboratory operations through:
- Set direction, priorities, and expectations for the laboratory organization
- Ensure strong leadership alignment and accountability at the supervisor/lead level
- Build and maintain a high-performing, scalable team and develop talent.
Laboratory Operations (Execution Ownership)
- Oversee execution of microbiology and environmental monitoring testing, including:
- Sterility, bioburden, endotoxin, and related compendial methods
- Environmental monitoring programs (on-site and off-site)
- Ensure laboratory performance consistently meets:
- Turnaround time (TAT) commitments
- Quality and regulatory standards
- Client delivery expectations across timelines, scope, and output quality
- Own reliable and predictable delivery of laboratory services, ensuring work is executed in a manner that supports strong client outcomes
- Partner with Project Management to align laboratory capacity and execution with client needs and commitments
- Manage laboratory workflow, prioritization, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery
- Ensure laboratory operations are executed in a cost-conscious and efficient manner, optimizing labor and materials
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and their teams
- Oversee:
- Hiring and onboarding
- Performance management and development planning
- Organizational structure and staffing alignment
- Establish a culture of:
- accountability
- continuous improvement
- technical excellence
Technical Leadership (Pharma / Medical Device Focus)
- Serve as technical subject matter expert for microbiology operations
- Ensure adherence to:
- cGMP and regulated laboratory standards
- USP microbiology methods
- Support:
- technical escalations
- investigations and troubleshooting
- Represent the laboratory in audits and client technical discussions
Quality & Compliance
- Maintain compliance with:
- cGMP, GDP, ISO, and USP standards
- Lead or support:
- Deviations / OOS investigations
- CAPAs and change controls
- Ensure audit readiness for:
- FDA, ISO, and client audits
Client Technical Interface
- Act as technical representative for clients as needed
- Partner with Project Management to support:
- technical discussions
- issue resolution
- capability alignment
Laboratory Infrastructure & Equipment
- Ensure:
- Qualification, maintenance, and calibration of equipment
- Oversee:
- Equipment lifecycle and implementation of new technologies
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related life science
- 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or medical device laboratory environment
- 2+ years of leadership experience, including experience supervising laboratory staff or team leads in a regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of:
- cGMP and regulated lab environments
- USP microbiology methods
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading multi-team lab operations (EM + Microbiology)
- Experience managing supervisors or functional leads
- Experience supporting regulatory or client audits
- Advanced degree (MS or higher) in Microbiology or related life science preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Proven ability to lead through layered team structures
- Strong operational leadership and execution discipline
- Technical depth in microbiology and regulated testing
- Ability to balance:
- technical rigor
- operational efficiency
- team development
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Additional Information
Position is full-time, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Candidates currently living within a commutable distance of San Diego, CA are encouraged to apply.
Pay Range: $85,000 – $115,000 per year depending on related experience
Excellent full time benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
Eurofins USA BioPharma Services is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
See All 37 Laboratory Manager Jobs in California
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Find Laboratory Manager JobsLaboratory Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Dolby Laboratories4
- Revolution Medicines4
- Eurofins3
- University of California Berkeley3
- Insmed Incorporated2
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals15
- Technology & Software8
- Education6
- Media & Entertainment4
- Medical Devices4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory manager jobs across California.
- California Laboratory Director licensure or Clinical Laboratory Scientist license where required by role
- Bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences, chemistry, clinical laboratory science, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing laboratory staff, budgets, and quality control programs
- Proficiency with laboratory information management systems and regulatory compliance documentation
- Familiarity with CAP, CLIA, ISO 17025, or FDA GLP and GMP standards as applicable to the setting
- Strong record of leading cross-functional teams and maintaining laboratory accreditation requirements
Laboratory Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory manager in California?
The path depends on the laboratory type. Clinical laboratory managers typically need a California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the California Department of Public Health, which requires an accredited bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related discipline and passing the state licensure examination. Non-clinical settings such as environmental, biotech, or industrial labs generally do not require a state license but do expect a relevant science degree and progressively responsible bench or supervisory experience.
How much do laboratory managers make in California?
Laboratory managers in California earn a median of about $210,230 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $130,730 for the lowest 10% to over $330,050 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire laboratory managers in California?
Employers hiring laboratory managers in California right now include Dolby Laboratories, Revolution Medicines, and Eurofins, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of biotech firms, hospital networks, and contract research organizations means demand is distributed across both large enterprise employers and specialized mid-size laboratories.
Which California cities have the most laboratory manager jobs?
San Diego, San Francisco, and Redwood City have the most laboratory manager openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical headquarters, San Diego draws heavily from its life sciences research corridor along Torrey Pines, and Los Angeles reflects demand from large hospital systems, environmental testing facilities, and food science operations tied to the region's manufacturing base.
Are there remote laboratory manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most laboratory manager roles require on-site presence to oversee staff, maintain equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and accreditation standards. About 3% of laboratory manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to involve quality systems management, regulatory documentation, or program oversight rather than direct bench supervision.
How can I get hired as a laboratory manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a lead or senior scientist role first, then stepping into supervisory responsibilities within the same organization. Large California health systems like Kaiser Permanente and UC Health run laboratory scientist training programs and new-graduate residencies that build the clinical foundation needed to advance. In biotech, associate scientist and quality control analyst roles at San Diego and Bay Area firms often serve as the direct ladder into laboratory management.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to laboratory manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search for roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 37 Laboratory Manager Jobs in California
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