Introduction
Laboratory, in this context, refers to a place that is well equipped for experimental studies. These studies can be in different fields; science, technology, or medicine. A Laboratory manager is a person who is the head of laboratories. They are in charge of managing all that goes on in the different laboratories. They also ensure that equipment and infrastructures are in good working conditions. Laboratory managers also must ensure that all reagents and samples needed are provided for as at when due.
Their duties involve ensuring that all that goes on in the laboratory meet state and international standards. They also work to ensure that laboratory scientists get ideal results from their research at all times. They supervise laboratory assistants and the researchers, to ensure that duties are efficiently and effectively carried out. Their job description seems wide but is achievable. It also entails them developing policies that are targeted at getting the best out of laboratories. They also developed or supervisor budget requirements by the Laboratory. He also involves complete supervision of all laboratory works and workers.
A Laboratory Manager is usually a graduate of Science Laboratory Technology or a related field. He or she must have a minimum of a Bachelors’s degree. Engineering, Urban Planning, etc. They are also required to have some working experience in laboratory work before they can gain employment. A Master’s degree also favors employment.
As a career, it is expected to grow with time. Because it is not just a post one applies for, but a position one attains with years of experience and qualification.
Responsibilities of Laboratory Managers
The responsibilities of Laboratory managers are wide as we saw earlier. However, it is achievable.
Let’s dive right in.
- Overseeing work process in laboratories.
- Ensuring that all laboratory equipment is well functioning.
- Monitoring all work procedures to ensure that they are in line with state guidelines.
- Ensuring that all laboratory staff works together in unity.
- Overseeing the installation of new equipment or technology.
- Preparing and also crosschecking budgets.
- Ensuring that no necessary reagent is out of stock.
- Supervising laboratory scientists during work.
- Developing new policies that will help raise the standards of the laboratory.
- Presenting reports to the right bodies.
- Teaching and training junior staff and students.
Qualifications for practice as a Laboratory Manager
Laboratory Managers in the United States are usually Bachelors’s degree holders in Science Laboratory Technology.
The necessary qualifications include the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Science Laboratory Technology or a related field.
- Or, a Master’s degree in Laboratory Technology.
- Experience in Laboratory works.
Other skills that are also essential include:
- Good healthy eyesight.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Observation skills.
- Time management skills.
- Communication skills.
- Knowledge of laboratory operations.
- Good leadership skills.
- Computer and also technical skills.
- Presentation skills.
- Analytical skills.
Work Environment
A Laboratory Manager typically works in a laboratory. This can be science or medical or technological laboratories. He or she will have an office located inside the laboratory. A laboratory manager is expected to be at work every day, especially when research is ongoing in the lab. This is so so that he or she can be able to monitor all that happens in every aspect.
Professionally, they are expected to make use of personal protective equipment. Such as overalls, gloves, masks, goggles, and the like.
In the United States, they work full time. This is up to 40 hours a week.
Salary
Laboratory Managers earn basic salaries. Their pay is dependent on several factors. Such as:
- The organization they work for. It can be health, research, or technology.
- Their educational qualification.
- Their years of experience.
- How long they work.
In the United States, their average salary per year is between $60,000 and $106,000.
Career Path
These professionals were formerly technically stages, but experience and qualification made them lab managers.
A Laboratory Manager can also grow to become a Head of Laboratories in a large organization. This is possible with a demonstration of expertise and qualification.
Conclusion
Being in charge of others is not an easy task. Laboratory Managers are also in charge of laboratory staff, infrastructures, and other reagents. Nothing is expected to go wrong in their hands. Instead, it is expected that the organization dees are better with them in charge of laboratories. They are leaders who give themselves to ensuring that the laboratory operates in the best way possible.
