Laboratory manager
A laboratory manager oversees the daily operations of laboratories; ensuring they are safe, efficient and compliant with clinical, quality and regulatory standards. They supervise teams, allocate workloads and manage resources to ensure timely and accurate sample processing. Their responsibilities include implementing quality assurance systems, coordinating audits and maintaining accreditation. Laboratory managers also provide staff training, support professional development and communicate with healthcare providers, research teams and senior management.
Working conditions
In Western Australia, laboratory managers may work in a broad range of industries for organisations such as educational institutions, medical research institutes, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology companies, contract research organisations (CROs), healthcare or agricultural organisations, chemical manufacturers, food and beverage manufacturers, government agencies, hospitals, textile manufacturers and universities.
This role blends scientific expertise with strong leadership and organisational skills to keep complex lab environments running smoothly and reliably.
Laboratory managers and their teams may handle potentially hazardous materials. Following proper workplace safety standards greatly minimises any associated risks.
Tools and technologies
Laboratory managers rely on computers and specialised laboratory data software to assist in tracking and presenting results, while also overseeing the management of the laboratory. They need to be familiar with scientific equipment / analysers, specialised testing and measuring equipment, computer-controlled machinery and instrumentation. They may need to wear protective clothing such as laboratory coats, gloves and safety glasses.
Education and training
To become a laboratory manager you usually need to gain a qualification in laboratory technology. Most laboratory managers will generally have worked for a number of years in a technical or senior medical scientist position, depending on the sector they work in, before progressing to a laboratory manager role.
The Diploma of Laboratory Technology and the Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA to find a registered provider near you.
You can also undertake a traineeship in laboratory technology (level 5). The traineeship usually takes 36 months to complete.
Although not essential for laboratory manager roles, several universities in Western Australia — including Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Murdoch University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Western Australia (UWA) — offer related courses that can broaden your knowledge and open pathways to advanced positions.
For details on course structure, entry requirements and application deadlines, please contact the educational institutions directly.
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