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Clinical Lab Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Laboratory Director Bionano Laboratories, the RUO and CLIA/CAP services business unit of Bionano Genomics, seeks a qualified Clinical Laboratory Director to provide clinical, scientific ...

... Director and Technical Supervisors to ensure laboratory services meet clinical and regulatory standards 4) oversee operational aspects of test implementation, validation coordination, quality ...

Clinical Lab Director

Victorville, CA · On-site

$108K - $178K/yr

... Director and Technical Supervisors to ensure laboratory services meet clinical and regulatory standards 4) oversee operational aspects of test implementation, validation coordination, quality ...

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting * Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following ...

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting * Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following ...

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting * Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following ...

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Services, the Clinical Lab Scientist is responsible for following established procedures to perform routine and STAT clinical ...

CLINICAL LAB SCIENTIST

Temecula, CA · On-site

$44.74 - $67.12/hr

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Services, the Clinical Lab Scientist is responsible for following established procedures to perform routine and STAT clinical ...

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Services, the Clinical Lab Scientist is responsible for following established procedures to perform routine and STAT clinical ...

Clinical Lab Scientist

Temecula, CA · On-site

$44.74 - $67.12/hr

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) Reporting to the Director of Laboratory Services, the Clinical Lab Scientist is responsible for following established procedures to perform routine and STAT clinical ...

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Clinical Lab Director information

See California salary details

$15

$63

$86

How much do clinical lab director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab director in California is $63.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.37 and $73.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a clinical lab director do?

A Clinical Lab Director oversees the operations of a clinical laboratory, ensuring that all testing is accurate, efficient, and complies with regulatory standards. They are responsible for managing staff, developing laboratory policies, maintaining quality control, and ensuring patient safety. The director also collaborates with healthcare professionals to interpret laboratory results and implement new technologies or procedures. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining high standards in laboratory services and supporting patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical lab director?

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Director, you need a deep knowledge of laboratory science, strong leadership abilities, and typically a graduate degree in a related field along with appropriate licensure or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), quality assurance protocols, and regulatory standards such as CLIA and CAP accreditation is essential. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help in managing teams and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital for maintaining high-quality laboratory operations, meeting regulatory requirements, and delivering accurate diagnostic results.

How does a clinical lab director typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality patient outcomes?

A Clinical Lab Director plays a crucial role in interdisciplinary collaboration by working closely with physicians, pathologists, and nursing staff to interpret lab results and address any discrepancies. They regularly participate in clinical meetings, provide guidance on test selection, and ensure that laboratory practices meet regulatory standards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for timely and accurate diagnoses, making the director a key liaison between the laboratory and clinical staff. This collaborative environment helps maintain high-quality patient care and supports continuous improvement within the lab.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Director vs Medical Laboratory Scientist?

AspectClinical Lab DirectorMedical Laboratory Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a medical degree, certification (e.g., ASCP), and management experienceRequires a bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, ensures compliancePerforms laboratory tests, analyzes samples, reports results
Employer & IndustryHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories

The Clinical Lab Director focuses on managing laboratory operations and ensuring quality standards, while the Medical Laboratory Scientist performs the testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in the laboratory setting but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Lab Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Clinical Lab Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,962 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

$108K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Desert Valley Hospital rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

548th of 1,062 rated hospitals


Job description

Overview

Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Desert Valley Hospital, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Desert Valley Hospital is an accredited 148-bed acute care hospital located in Southern California. Desert Valley Hospital is in the top 5% of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide for clinical performance. The hospital has achieved numerous quality award distinctions including Patient Safety Excellence Award, Women's Health Excellence Award and Distinguished Hospital Clinical Excellence Award. Desert Valley Hospital, along with Desert Valley Medical Group, offers key services to the community including heart care, emergency services, labor and delivery, surgical services and more. For more information visit www.DesertValleyHospital.com.

Responsibilities

In accordance with California Business and Professions Code 1261, the Laboratory Director provides administrative, financial and operational leadership for the laboratory, functioning as the primary leader responsible for day-to-day laboratory operations. Responsibilities include oversight of laboratory workflow, staffing and personnel management, budgeting, equipment management, quality improvement initiatives, regulatory readiness (CLIA, CAP, TJC, ACHC and other applicable agencies), vendor coordination, and implementation of laboratory policies and procedures.

Individuals with a bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science may function as Testing Personnel for moderate (42 CFR 493.1425) and high complexity testing (42 CFR 493.1495) and as a General Supervisor for high complexity testing (42 CFR 493.1463). The individual may also qualify to function as a Technical Supervisor for high complexity testing (42 CFR 493.1451), provided CLIA education, training, and experience requirements are met. Individuals with a bachelor's degree may qualify to serve as Laboratory Director for moderate complexity testing (42 CFR 493.1407) but do not qualify to serve as Laboratory Director for high complexity testing.

This individual is responsible for: 1) administrative, financial and operational oversight of laboratory services, including personnel management, staffing and scheduling, quality assurance, regulatory readiness (CLIA, CAP, TJC, ACHC and other applicable agencies), budgeting, equipment management, vendor coordination, and implementation of laboratory policies and procedures 2) collaborates with hospital leadership and laboratory staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality laboratory operations that support patient care and organizational goals 3) works in collaboration with the Laboratory Medical Director and Technical Supervisors to ensure laboratory services meet clinical and regulatory standards 4) oversee operational aspects of test implementation, validation coordination, quality monitoring, and regulatory compliance 5) collaborates with hospital executive leadership and external department leaders to ensure effective coordination of laboratory services that support patient care, operational efficiency, and hospital-wide clinical initiatives.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

  • ASCP certification, or equivalent preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution (42 CFR 493.1449) required.
  • Possession of a valid California CLS (Generalist) or CLS (Limited) License required.  CLS Trainee license is not acceptable.
  • Minimum 5 years supervisory clinical laboratory experience required.
  • LEAN Six Sigma certification preferred
  • Master's Degree preferred.
  • #LI-TP3

    Pay Transparency

    Desert Valley Hospital offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options.  Benefits may vary based on employment status, i.e. full-time, part-time, per diem or temporary.  A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $108,700.80 to $178,817.60 on an annualized basis. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.

    Employment StatusFull TimeShiftDaysEqual Employment Opportunity

    Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

    Privacy Notice

    Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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