How to Become a Laboratory Supervisor

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Laboratory Supervisor

What does a Laboratory Supervisor do?

A Laboratory Supervisor organizes and directs the daily activities of the laboratory. Responsible for supervising laboratory personnel and acts as a point of contact for questions or issues. Being a Laboratory Supervisor reviews and edits reports detailing results and conclusions, applications, and methodology. Conducts routine maintenance and safety checks on lab equipment to ensure working order. Additionally, Laboratory Supervisor assists with receipt and inspection of raw materials and the ordering and stocking of materials and equipment. Implements policies and procedures to promote effective laboratory operations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Laboratory Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Laboratory Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.

People's Opinions on Laboratory Supervisor responsibilities

A laboratory supervisor works in a laboratory environment that is either independent or part of a larger entity and performs duties that enable the laboratory to function on a day-to-day basis.

12/03/2019: Hopkinsville, KY

Unlike a lab technician, a laboratory supervisor has significant managerial duties and responsibilities.

01/02/2020: Toledo, OH

Topics like safety protocol, disciplinary action, and performance appraisal all fall under the laboratory supervisor job description.

12/17/2019: Jackson, MS

In a hospital setting, for example, the laboratory supervisor plays a role as liaison between hospital administration and laboratory staff and is often required to make staffing decisions like hiring and firing.

02/17/2020: Washington, DC

A significant portion of laboratory supervisor duties focuses on human interaction.

12/09/2019: Winston Salem, NC
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Laboratory Supervisor

Best tips for those who want to become a Laboratory Supervisor

Here are some tips to become a Laboratory Supervisor.

People's Opinions on best tips

Letter of Application/Cover Letter.

12/27/2019: Raleigh, NC

Schedule the workflow throughout the department by meeting turnaround and quality standards.

12/14/2019: Lancaster, PA

Solve all day-to-day process and technical problems.

12/06/2019: Billings, MT

Supervise and train departmental staff.

01/07/2020: Laramie, WY

Conduct research on the employer, hiring manager, and job opportunity.

02/04/2020: Wilmington, DE
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Laboratory Supervisor

Best colleges and universities for Laboratory Supervisor

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Laboratory Supervisor

Is being a Laboratory Supervisor Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The successful candidate will be required to support / deputise for the EHS / Laboratory manager.

01/18/2020: Bergenfield, NJ

We are looking for a Laboratory Supervisor to oversee the day to day running of a busy manufacturing laboratory, ensuring all analysis and testing is completed on time, and to the correct standard.

01/27/2020: Springfield, OR

You will work alongside the Laboratory Manager supporting various departments so you must be a strong team player with previous laboratory experience.

01/06/2020: Canton, OH

To work with and supervise other members of the laboratory team; to ensure optimal laboratory function by implementation of quality directed/cost effective procedures; to carry out clinic and laboratory policies; to coordinate and promote laboratory information system services.

01/10/2020: Baton Rouge, LA

As directed by the Laboratory Manager or Laboratory Director, promotes laboratory services in the region and assists with delivery of lab information based on specific site needs.

01/17/2020: Racine, WI
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Laboratory Supervisor

What skills do you need to be a Laboratory Supervisor?

In order to drive yourself and your team to success, in a management position you need to have a broad base of skills.  For success in this position, you effeciency with these skills is key: Laboratory Management, Laboratory Practice Quality Assurance (LPQA), Analyze Lab Results.  Although every company varies in their requirements, these competencies will help you in this role.

People's Opinions on Laboratory Supervisor skills

We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Laboratory Supervisor resumes they appeared on.

02/04/2020: Philadelphia, PA

Let's find out what skills a Laboratory Supervisor actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

12/30/2019: Portsmouth, NH

Experienced in the safe handling of photographic processing chemicals and general laboratory safety to be in compliance with OSHA regulations.

02/10/2020: Huntington, WV

Perform phlebotomy in the laboratory and local nursing homes as required.

12/18/2019: Biloxi, MS

Laboratory management is more than just technical skills; it is the ability to organize and plan in a way that keeps other lab members focused on that goal while using their time efficiently and safely.

02/09/2020: Tucson, AZ
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Step 6: View average salary for Laboratory Supervisor

How much does a Laboratory Supervisor make?

The average salary range for a Laboratory Supervisor is from $88,414 to $109,872. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Laboratory Supervisor
$88,414 to $109,872

Step 7: Find relevant Laboratory Supervisor jobs, and apply.

Looking for Laboratory Supervisor jobs?

Here are some Laboratory Supervisor jobs in the United States.

Search Laboratory Supervisor Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Laboratory Supervisor

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Laboratory Supervisor? Laboratory Senior Supervisor