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What does an assistant laboratory manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

An assistant laboratory manager performs support tasks to assist the laboratory manager in overseeing laboratory projects and operations. Their job entails working together with the laboratory manager in developing and implementing strategies to optimize operations, managing budgets, setting objectives and guidelines, delegating responsibilities among teams, and solving issues and concerns. There are also times when an assistant laboratory manager must train new members of the workforce, liaise and build positive relationships with external parties, purchase equipment, and run errands when necessary.

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Assistant laboratory manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real assistant laboratory manager resumes:

  • Lead GMP instrument validation efforts for the laboratory.
  • Manage a variety of laboratory equipment types, including freezers, centrifuges and fume hoods.
  • Utilize LIMS to manage data review by implementing data flags, turnaround times and sample disposal records.
  • Manage undergraduate chemistry labs and stockroom which entail taking inventory, procurement, and lab prep of chemicals and equipment.
  • Manage and replenish photographic chemistry.
  • Manage daily laboratory operations including personnel, client consulting, analyses and adherence to GLP protocols.
  • Retrieve and download results from LIS.
  • Process over twenty dentures per day with a staff of six technicians
  • Train and implement use of Cerec3D CAD/CAM system for the clinic.
  • Operate various processors, strainers, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment.
  • Hire and train personnel on ASTM test methods and conduct weekly safety and refresher training.
  • Monitor turnaround times in LIMS to meet key performance indicators for potable and non-potable water.
  • Assist in preparing such things as GMP s and HACCP to make facility food grade.
  • Analyze all kinds of petroleum products, caustic soda, and solvents among others, using ASTM methodology.
  • Fabricate custom trays, bite blocks, set up teeth, invest, process and finish dentures and partials.

Assistant laboratory manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 20% of Assistant Laboratory Managers are proficient in Lab Equipment, Test Results, and Chemistry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Time-management skills, and Interpersonal skills.

We break down the percentage of Assistant Laboratory Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Lab Equipment, 20%

    Performed general maintenance on lab equipment.

  • Test Results, 9%

    Provide advanced problem solving, troubleshooting, interpretation / consultation, verification of specimen quality and test results.

  • Chemistry, 8%

    Assumed all the responsibilities of the Chemistry Supervisor Serology Supervisor, and Computer Manager.

  • Hematology, 6%

    Entrusted as technical supervisor for all departments and department manager for hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis.

  • Clinical Laboratory, 5%

    Assist Laboratory Manager with managing and supervising all phases of the clinical laboratory operations.

  • Lab Procedures, 5%

    Help with training and evaluating lab procedures with employees.

Common skills that an assistant laboratory manager uses to do their job include "lab equipment," "test results," and "chemistry." You can find details on the most important assistant laboratory manager responsibilities below.

Problem-solving skills. One of the key soft skills for an assistant laboratory manager to have is problem-solving skills. You can see how this relates to what assistant laboratory managers do because "production managers must identify and address problems that arise." Additionally, an assistant laboratory manager resume shows how assistant laboratory managers use problem-solving skills: "prepare chemical solutions for chemistry labs. "

Interpersonal skills. assistant laboratory managers are also known for interpersonal skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to assistant laboratory manager responsibilities, because "industrial production managers must have excellent communication skills to work well other managers and with staff." An assistant laboratory manager resume example shows how interpersonal skills is used in the workplace: "cited for excellence in interpersonal communications, teamwork, customer service, flexibility and reliability. "

Leadership skills. A big part of what assistant laboratory managers do relies on "leadership skills." You can see how essential it is to assistant laboratory manager responsibilities because "to keep the production process running smoothly, industrial production managers must motivate and direct employees." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical assistant laboratory manager tasks: "provided leadership for staff, promoted a cooperative environment including customer service training, and held regular staff meetings. "

See the full list of assistant laboratory manager skills

The three companies that hire the most assistant laboratory managers are:

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Compare different assistant laboratory managers

Assistant laboratory manager vs. Service director

A service director is responsible for managing and implementing customer service policies and ensuring that all staff strictly adhere to reach the highest customer satisfaction. Service directors' duties include identifying business opportunities to improve customers' experience, monitoring the performance of the customer service team, developing strategic procedures on service delivery, creating new promotional offers and services, and coaching the team to increase business productivity. A service director must have excellent leadership and communication skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the customer service industry to lead the team and boost company sales.

If we compare the average assistant laboratory manager annual salary with that of a service director, we find that service directors typically earn a $63,164 higher salary than assistant laboratory managers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both assistant laboratory manager and service director positions are skilled in oversight, inventory control, and federal regulations.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, assistant laboratory manager responsibilities require skills like "lab equipment," "test results," "chemistry," and "hematology." Meanwhile a typical service director has skills in areas such as "patients," "healthcare," "patient care," and "customer service." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Service directors tend to reach higher levels of education than assistant laboratory managers. In fact, service directors are 6.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Assistant laboratory manager vs. Clinical director

A clinical director is a managing professional who manages the work of healthcare providers to ensure quality patient care is achieved. Clinical directors are responsible for organizational tasks such as adjusting staff schedules, explaining insurance benefits to the patients, and managing financial reports. They can work either in small clinics with a smaller workforce or larger hospitals with multiple departments. Clinical directors may also assist in the hiring process of healthcare providers and should establish a positive work environment.

On average, clinical directors earn a $44,680 higher salary than assistant laboratory managers a year.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that assistant laboratory manager responsibilities requires skills like "lab equipment," "test results," "chemistry," and "hematology." But a clinical director might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "patient care," "physical therapy," and "social work."

In general, clinical directors achieve higher levels of education than assistant laboratory managers. They're 21.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Assistant laboratory manager vs. Medical director

A medical director is responsible for handling the overall supervision of different medical departments, managing the coordination between medical teams to ensure smooth operations and achieve high-quality care services for the patients. Medical directors enforce strict guidelines and safety measures for everyone's adherence. They also implement medical care programs, recruit medical staff, inspect the adequacy of medical equipment, respond to patient's inquiries and concerns, and oversee the facilities' procedures. A medical director manages the budget of the department, allocating equal resources to address every need.

On average scale, medical directors bring in higher salaries than assistant laboratory managers. In fact, they earn a $178,500 higher salary per year.By looking over several assistant laboratory managers and medical directors resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "proficiency testing," "r," and "chemotherapy." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an assistant laboratory manager is likely to be skilled in "lab equipment," "test results," "chemistry," and "hematology," while a typical medical director is skilled in "patients," "medical care," "medical services," and "utilization review."

When it comes to education, medical directors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to assistant laboratory managers. In fact, they're 4.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 25.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Assistant laboratory manager vs. Interim director

An interim director is responsible for supporting business operations, organizing training, as well as specific department programs for staff to maximize their productivity and improve optimal performance to meet project deliverables and achieve client satisfaction. Interim directors coordinate with the management and board executives on corporate decisions, implementing company guidelines and procedures, and identifying business opportunities to generate more revenues and profitability. They also analyze financial statements and business transactions, developing strategies to reduce expenses and minimize loss without sacrificing the organization's quality services.

Interim directors typically earn higher pay than assistant laboratory managers. On average, interim directors earn a $52,325 higher salary per year.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An assistant laboratory manager uses "lab equipment," "test results," "chemistry," and "hematology." Interim directors are more likely to have duties that require skills in "healthcare," "patient care," "patient safety," and "financial management. "The average resume of interim directors showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to assistant laboratory managers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 10.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.9%.

Types of assistant laboratory manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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