Laboratory Manager - Food Microbiology

Location: Commerce, CA
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Job Type: Full-Time

Lead a High-Performing Food Safety Laboratory Team

Michelson Laboratories has been a trusted leader in food testing and analytical services since 1970. Serving food manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers, and regulatory stakeholders throughout Southern California and beyond, we are committed to delivering accurate results, exceptional service, and rapid turnaround times that help our clients protect consumers and maintain regulatory compliance.

As an ISO 17025 and ELAP accredited laboratory, Michelson Laboratories maintains the highest standards of scientific excellence, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laboratory Manager to lead our growing Microbiology Department in Commerce, California. This position oversees a team of approximately 30 laboratory professionals and plays a critical role in ensuring laboratory quality, operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and team development.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proven laboratory leader who is passionate about food safety, enjoys mentoring and developing teams, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where scientific excellence and customer service are equally valued.

What You'll Do:

Leadership & Operations

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of approximately 30 encompassing microbiologists, laboratory analysts, and technicians.
• Manage daily microbiology laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and timely reporting of results.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, workflow management, and departmental performance.
• Partner with laboratory leadership to improve processes, optimize turnaround times, and support continued growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.

Technical Responsibilities

• Review, verify, and approve microbiological test results prior to client reporting.
• Conduct and oversee pathogen detection and confirmation according to FDA and USDA methodologies.
• Analyze food and environmental samples using PCR, VIDAS, VITEK, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Interpret culture results, agar plates, biochemical reactions, and microbial identification data.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods, testing procedures, and laboratory instrumentation as needed.
• Ensure proper sample handling, enrichment, preparation, testing, documentation, and disposition.

Quality & Client Support

• Maintain compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, laboratory quality systems, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC activities involving media, reagents, supplies, and laboratory processes.
• Review and approve laboratory certificates and final reports.
• Consult with clients regarding test selection, result interpretation, and food safety concerns.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with all laboratory safety procedures.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will:

• Lead a high-performing team that consistently delivers accurate, timely microbiological testing results.
• Maintain compliance with accreditation and quality system requirements.
• Develop laboratory personnel through coaching, mentorship, and training.
• Drive operational improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for both clients and internal teams.

Qualifications Required

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology, pathogen detection, aseptic techniques, and laboratory best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
• Ability to work overtime when required.

Preferred

• 5+ years of microbiology laboratory experience, preferably in food testing, environmental testing, or a commercial laboratory setting.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience leading laboratory personnel.
• Experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, AOAC, and food microbiology testing methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, VIDAS, VITEK, pathogen detection, and microbial identification techniques.

Why Join Michelson Laboratories?

• Join a respected laboratory with more than 50 years of industry leadership.
• Lead a well-established microbiology operation with approximately 30 team members.
• Work within a robust ISO 17025 and ELAP accredited quality system.
• Make a direct impact on food safety and public health.
• Collaborate with experienced scientific professionals in a growing organization.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (PPO & HMO)
• Dental Insurance (PPO & HMO)
• Vision Insurance (VSP)
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Relocation Assistance Available

Michelson Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person