Job DescriptionPosition OverviewEurofins 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 ResponsibilitiesLaboratory 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
Equipment lifecycle and implementation of new technologies
QualificationsMinimum 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 InformationPosition 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 experienceExcellent full time benefits including
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
