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Director Lab Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CommonSpirit Health

Director Lab

Merced, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

... 24-hour operations of the clinical laboratories to meet our organizational needs and ensure ... director, with a track record of success overseeing Clinical Lab services. You must be competent ...

Mercy Medical Center Merced

Director Lab

Merced, CA

$60.24 - $89.60/hr

... 24-hour operations of the clinical laboratories to meet our organizational needs and ensure ... director, with a track record of success overseeing Clinical Lab services. You must be competent ...

CommonSpirit Health

Director Lab

Merced, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

... 24-hour operations of the clinical laboratories to meet our organizational needs and ensure ... director, with a track record of success overseeing Clinical Lab services. You must be competent ...

CommonSpirit Health

Director Lab

Oxnard, CA

$112K - $146K/yr

John's Hospital Camarillo, you will direct and oversee the 24-hour operations of the clinical ... Current license as a Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) in the State of CA required. #LI-DH

St Johns Regional Medical Center

Director Lab

Oxnard, CA

$63.10 - $93.87/hr

John's Hospital Camarillo, you will direct and oversee the 24-hour operations of the clinical ... Current license as a Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) in the State of CA required. #LI-DH Where You'll ...

Terray Therapeutics, Inc.

Lab Operations

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$72K - $155K/yr

... a self-directed entrepreneurial environment working cross functionally with a variety of ... Qualifications: * BS, minimum 3 years of experience in lab operations * Must have a great work ...

Biocytogen

Lab Operations Associate

Waltham, MA · On-site

We are looking for a self-directed, well-organized individual who enjoys working with scientists to ... Manage several laboratory operations, equipment and device maintenance, lab safety procedures, and ...

Biocytogen

Lab Operations Associate

Waltham, MA · On-site

We are looking for a self-directed, well-organized individual who enjoys working with scientists to ... Manage several laboratory operations, equipment and device maintenance, lab safety procedures, and ...

Biocytogen

Lab Operations Associate

Waltham, MA · On-site

We are looking for a self-directed, well-organized individual who enjoys working with scientists to ... Manage several laboratory operations, equipment and device maintenance, lab safety procedures, and ...

BioLabs

Lab Operations Manager

Rochester, MN · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

The Lab Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shared ... This position requires a highly capable, self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced ...

BioLabs

Lab Operations Manager

Rochester, MN

The Lab Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shared ... This position requires a highly capable, self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced ...

BioLabs

Lab Operations Manager

Rochester, MN

The Lab Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our shared ... This position requires a highly capable, self-directed individual who thrives in a fast-paced ...

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All JobsDirector Lab Operations Jobs

Director Lab Operations information

See salary details

$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for director lab operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 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.

How much does a lab director make in the US?

A lab director in the US typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Salaries can vary based on industry, certifications, and managerial responsibilities.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions often have annual compensation exceeding $500,000, especially in large corporations. Certain specialized medical professionals, such as neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons, can also reach this level with experience and private practice. Additionally, some senior roles in finance, law, and technology, including investment bankers and senior software engineers, may earn this amount through base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

What exactly does a director of operations do?

A director of operations oversees the daily functions of an organization or department, ensuring efficiency and alignment with strategic goals. They manage teams, develop policies, monitor performance metrics, and coordinate resources, often requiring strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Director Lab Operations jobs? Cities with the most Director Lab Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Director Lab Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Lab Operations jobs include:
Director Lab Operations jobs near you
Director Lab

Director Lab

CommonSpirit Health

Merced, CA • On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 508 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 873 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Founded in 1873, Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center is a 186-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Merced, California. Serving over 150,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II NICU, heart care, the Mercy Cancer Center, and a family birth center. Additionally, Merced Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.

One Community. One Mission. One California.


As our Director of Laboratory Services for Mercy Medical Center Merced, you will direct and oversee the 24-hour operations of the clinical laboratories to meet our organizational needs and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. You will direct, plan, organize and implement strategies and key initiatives to enhance and support the operations of the clinical laboratories to ensure high quality, efficient, and cost-effective operations. You will also direct and oversee laboratory specimen collection, processing, on-site, point of care, and send-out testing services.

Every day, you will collaborate with hospital administrative and clinical leaders in the planning and implementation of policies and procedures, programs, and initiatives that support the mission, growth and success of Mercy Medical Center Merced. You will be a visible and engaging leader, providing direction to department personnel to achieve operational and technical objectives including workflow design, service quality, financial performance, regulatory compliance, personnel management, patient satisfaction, and employee engagement.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be an experienced manager/director, with a track record of success overseeing Clinical Lab services. You must be competent and confident, with excellent communication skills one-on-one and in front of groups. You will tackle tough conversations, and above all, be an educator at heart. Every interaction is an opportunity to share your knowledge with others and improve their understanding of a patient’s needs and quality of care.

If you are committed to social justice, health equity, and prepared to help shape healthcare in new, innovative ways, you belong with us.

Benefits and offerings for this position include (plus much more!):

  • Relocation assistance.
  • Annual performance-based bonus program.
  • Annual employer contribution to retirement program (no employee contribution needed).
  • Medical benefits for the employee at no payroll deduction.
  • Flexible Time Away program.

Required Education and Experience: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological or chemical sciences, as defined by CLIA, required.
  • Minimum of three combined years of leadership experience as a supervisor, manager or director at a moderate or high complexity laboratory required.
Required Licensure: 
  • Current license as a Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) in the State of CA required.

#LI-DH

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