5 of the Top Skills for Lab Managers
A promotion to lab management from the scientific bench means new responsibilities and demands a broader perspective. Lab managers are responsible for people, processes, budgets, and deadlines and must ensure the lab adheres to applicable standards. Top skills for lab managers include the following:
Leadership
Lab technicians and research scientists look to the lab director or manager for vision, direction, and support. Leadership comes in many styles, but generally includes the qualities of fairness, consistency, and confidence. Communication is critical—leaders need to be approachable and listen to staff concerns. They communicate goals and expectations clearly. Leaders hold lab staff accountable for results and adherence to standards and make decisions based on the good of the operation as a whole.
Staff Development
Good lab managers recognize that people link motivation and enthusiasm to opportunity. Continuing education and training keep staff up to date on standards and developments in their field and may result in better outcomes in the lab. A forward-thinking lab manager will keep current on developments and recognize when to offer training to keep staff on top of their game.
Budgeting, Project Management, and Safety
Managing a lab often requires doing more with less, and prioritizing projects within tight financial constraints. Whether the lab is an industrial, corporate or research operation, budget constraints will require planning and creative problem-solving skills. Lab managers will be responsible for acquiring the necessary equipment and supplies. They also need to ensure proper operation of services such as hazardous waste disposal and make sure the lab’s physical environment is safe and compliant with industry and government standards. Managers must see that their team completes and delivers projects within prescribed time frames, even with limited resources. Managers should monitor progress and step in if a project stalls.
Integrity
If the lab staff doesn’t trust or respect their manager, operations will rapidly become dysfunctional. Managers must tell the truth, make ethical decisions, own up to mistakes, and demonstrably support staff in doing the same. Sometimes corporate confidentiality or human resources rules will prevent the manager from sharing information. Staff will understand if there is a matter the manager is not at liberty to discuss; however, they will know when a manager is filling the air with meaningless words—or worse, lying.
Communication
Lab managers are responsible for internal and external communications in person, in writing, and electronically. Managers might find themselves explaining or defending lab operations or results to government and private grantmakers, scientific colleagues, news media or the general public. Managers must also be clear and consistent with lab personnel, defining roles, rules, and policies.
These are just a few top skills for lab managers. Each lab environment will require additional, specific skills relevant to that lab’s particular operation. Every manager must develop their own style and way of working with a diverse array of laboratory scientists, technicians, and funders. It’s a challenging but rewarding career for people who are passionate about science, measurement, and discovery.
