Laboratory Manager – Food Microbiology

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…