We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Does a Laboratory Manager Do?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,209
References
Share

A laboratory manager supervises operations in a medical or scientific lab to ensure safety and quality. The manager may set policies, hire and fire staff, maintain equipment, and engage in other activities to keep the facility running smoothly. Job listings for lab managers may be found at individual facilities, in trade publications, and through recruiters. It is usually necessary to have at least a four year degree, and a master’s degree may be preferred by some companies.

One aspect of the work of the laboratory manager can involve handling personnel. People may be hired, trained, and fired by the manager, who also establishes schedules and provides leave and vacation time. Conflicts in the facility may be handled by this member of the staff first, and only referred to other personnel if they are difficult to resolve. In addition to coordinating lab employees, managers also work with people who use the lab, like researchers, doctors, and students, to make sure they know how to use the equipment appropriately.

Safety protocols may be established by the laboratory manager, who is also responsible for providing safety information and periodically auditing the lab. These procedures protect workers in the facility and also act as quality controls. For example, workers in a medical testing laboratory exercise precautions to prevent cross-contamination or loss of samples. If forensic evidence is handled in the facility, the laboratory manager also supervises chain of custody protocols to make sure the evidence will be usable in court.

Periodic testing, calibration, maintenance, and replacement of equipment can also be the responsibility of the lab manager. This can include not just scientific equipment but also tables, chairs, file cabinets, and computer systems. If it is necessary to call in a repair person or technician, the laboratory manager may solicit bids and determine which company to use for the service. Inspectors and regulatory officials can ask to see proof of equipment maintenance and related activities, making maintenance of records important.

Supply ordering may also be part of the job, along with budgeting. People who need specific supplies request them through the laboratory manager or an assistant. For expensive or complex orders, approval may be necessary, which could involve a discussion with a researcher or technician to determine the specific need. In some cases it might be possible to use a different source or approach a problem differently to save money, for example.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-does-a-laboratory-manager-do.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.