Laboratory Manager – Microbiology (Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Testing)
About The Position
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.
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
Nice To Haves
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Act as technical representative for clients as needed Partner with Project Management to support: technical discussions issue resolution capability alignment
- Ensure: Qualification, maintenance, and calibration of equipment Oversee: Equipment lifecycle and implementation of new technologies
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
