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Director Lab Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

## Product Director, Lab SystemsApplylocations: Chicagotime type: Full timeposted on: Posted ... Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software ...

Product Director, Lab Systems

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Product Director of Lab Systems to lead our lab platform team in developing ... Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software ...

Product Director, Lab Systems

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Product Director of Lab Systems to lead our lab platform team in developing ... Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software ...

In conjunction with the Laboratory Operations Director and lab leadership develops section based goals to support hospital and organization mission and objectives. * Ensures that staff exhibit ...

We are seeking a Product Director of Lab Systems to lead our lab platform team in developing ... Build deep, trust‑based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software ...

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Director Lab Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$110.9K

$184.9K

How much do director lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director lab operations in Chicago, IL is $110,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $139,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In laboratory settings, the highest paying roles are often senior management positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can command salaries significantly higher than other laboratory positions.

What are some of the biggest challenges a Director of Lab Operations might face in managing multidisciplinary teams?

A Director of Lab Operations often oversees teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and expertise, which can present challenges in ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Balancing competing priorities, such as meeting research goals while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards, is also common. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and regulatory requirements requires strong leadership and the ability to foster ongoing professional development within the team. Building a cohesive culture and aligning team efforts with broader organizational objectives are key to success in this role.

What does a laboratory director do?

A laboratory director oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, managing staff, and coordinating testing procedures. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records, implementing protocols, and ensuring the lab meets regulatory requirements, often requiring strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications. The role involves strategic planning and quality assurance to support reliable testing outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Lab Operations vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectDirector Lab OperationsLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, often with advanced degrees and leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, with some roles preferring a master's
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planning, and high-level operationsManages daily lab activities, staff, and workflow within a specific lab or department
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large biotech, pharmaceutical, and research organizationsFound in hospitals, clinical labs, and smaller research facilities

The main difference is that the Director Lab Operations focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management across multiple labs, while the Laboratory Manager handles daily operations and staff within a specific lab. Both roles require strong scientific knowledge, but the director position emphasizes leadership and planning.

How much does a laboratory director make in the US?

A laboratory director in the US typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the laboratory. Senior directors or those in specialized fields may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

Is a director of operations a high position?

A director of operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing daily business activities, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. It is generally considered a high-level position within an organization, often reporting to executive management or the CEO.

What does a Director of Lab Operations do?

A Director of Lab Operations oversees the daily management and strategic direction of laboratory facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising lab staff, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing budgets, and optimizing workflow efficiency. They also play a key role in implementing new technologies, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with other departments to support research or clinical goals. This position typically requires strong leadership skills and experience in scientific or clinical laboratory environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Lab Operations, you need a robust background in laboratory science, operational management experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP), and quality control protocols is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and foster a culture of safety and efficiency. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality results, regulatory compliance, and effective lab operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Product Director, Lab Systems

Product Director, Lab Systems

Tempus, Inc.

Chicago, IL

$170K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

## Product Director, Lab SystemsApplylocations: Chicagotime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR202600534**Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?**Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.We are seeking a **Product Director of Lab Systems** to lead our lab platform team in developing intuitive, integrated products that optimize the entire laboratory workflow, ensuring peak efficiency, compliance, and data integrity.This role requires a leader who can bridge the gap between "agentic-first" software potential and the practical, high-stakes environment of multiple functioning labs. You will own the vision for our systems, ensuring they provide real-time, actionable insights that scale across a distributed operational footprint. We need a strategic partner and servant leader who can inspire a team of Product Managers to look beyond the "status quo" and build the future of intelligent, multi-site lab operations through collaboration and empathy.****What You’ll Do***** Strategic Vision & Synthesis: Own the product vision and strategy for our lab platform and products used by people across multiple locations, proactively defining a "North Star" rather than reacting to tactical feature requests.* Agentic Evolution: Serve as the team’s champion for AI fluency—driving the adoption of agentic-first workflows where appropriate in the clinical setting as well as elevating the professional productivity of your product managers.* Servant Leadership & Coaching: Inspire, manage, and coach a team of Product Managers to deliver business impact while mentoring them to grow as strategic product leaders.* Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement: Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software evolutions are co-designed and respect the unique physical realities of each lab location.* Executive Communication: Represent and communicate product vision to the heads of our diagnostics business and other senior executives, distilling technical and operational hurdles into clear strategic choices.* Culture of Excellence: Collaborate with the broader product leadership team to refine our development "playbook" and foster a culture of technical excellence and empathy.****Qualifications***** 8+ years of technical software product management experience in the tech or biotech industry.* 4+ years of experience managing a team of product managers with a demonstrated ability to lead and coach.* AI Fluency: Proven experience (or a deeply informed perspective) on leveraging AI/ML and agentic workflows to solve complex operational problems.* Systems Thinking: Exceptional ability to envision and scale interconnected software ecosystems. You have a proven track record of looking at problems holistically, tracing issues back to their root cause, and designing solutions that unlock massive efficiency across the whole system.* Domain Expertise: Extensive history leading the product strategy for high-scale, high-complexity enterprise workflow systems (e.g., proprietary LIMS, ERP, or Asset Management platforms), ideally within a distributed physical and/or regulated environment.* Exceptional ability to navigate high-ambiguity environments and synthesize a clear, high-level product strategy from incomplete or conflicting inputs.* Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaboration, winning trust and engagement from diverse teams of biologists, medical professionals, and engineers.* Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., CLIA, CAP, FDA) and a strong understanding of laboratory workflows.#LI-BL1Chicago Pay Range: $170,000 - $220,000The expected salary range above is applicable if the role is performed from Illinois and may vary for other locations (California, Colorado, New York). Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr