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Executive Laboratory Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$120 - $168/hr

... years of direct people leadership with responsibility for operational performance, employee ... executives, and key stakeholders. A working knowledge of laboratory operations, quality systems ...

Director - Laboratory Services

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$101K - $132K/yr

Join Witham Health Services as our Director of Laboratory Services and take ownership of a high ... Collaborative culture with strong physician, nursing, and executive partnerships * Opportunity to ...

Senior Director, Laboratory (4843) KEDPLASMA is a subsidiary of Kedrion Biopharma Inc. KEDPLASMA ... Reporting to the Global Plasma CEO, this executive-level leader will oversee end-to-end laboratory ...

New

Director of Lab and Pathology

Boone, NC · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

* System Director of Laboratory and Pathology Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Executive Leadership Why You'll Love Working Here As the System Director of Laboratory and Pathology at UNC ...

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Executive Laboratory Director information

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$40.5K

$103.8K

$191.5K

How much do executive laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive laboratory director in the United States is $103,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges an executive laboratory director might face when managing a multidisciplinary lab team?

An Executive Laboratory Director often oversees teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and specialties, which can present challenges in aligning goals, communication styles, and workflows. Balancing the operational needs of the lab with compliance requirements and budget constraints is also a significant responsibility. Additionally, fostering collaboration among departments and ensuring staff remain engaged and up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices can be demanding but rewarding. Effective leadership involves not only technical expertise but also strong interpersonal and project management skills to navigate these complexities.

What is an executive laboratory director?

An Executive Laboratory Director is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the operations, strategy, and compliance of a laboratory or group of laboratories. They ensure that laboratory procedures meet regulatory standards, manage budgets, personnel, and resources, and often liaise with other departments or external agencies. Executive Laboratory Directors also develop policies, drive innovation, and work to maintain high-quality scientific outputs. Their leadership is crucial in ensuring the lab’s safety, efficiency, and reputation. This role typically requires advanced scientific training and significant management experience.

What is the difference between Executive Laboratory Director vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectExecutive Laboratory DirectorLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MD) and leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or entire laboratory operations at an organizational levelManages daily operations within a specific laboratory or department
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large healthcare, research, or biotech organizationsCommon in hospitals, clinics, and smaller labs
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by senior professionals or organizations seeking leadership rolesTypically searched by those seeking operational or supervisory roles

The Executive Laboratory Director holds a higher-level leadership position overseeing multiple labs or entire organizations, requiring advanced credentials and strategic oversight. In contrast, the Laboratory Manager focuses on daily operational management within a specific lab. Both roles are essential but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive laboratory director?

To thrive as an Executive Laboratory Director, you need advanced expertise in laboratory science, regulatory compliance, and leadership, typically supported by a doctoral degree and extensive experience in laboratory management. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality assurance protocols, and certifications such as CLIA or CAP accreditation is essential. Exceptional communication, strategic decision-making, and team-building skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory adherence, and the delivery of high-quality laboratory results.
More about Executive Laboratory Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive Laboratory Director jobs? Cities with the most Executive Laboratory Director job openings:
What states have the most Executive Laboratory Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Laboratory Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Executive Laboratory Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,760 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Laboratory and Scientific Director

State of Colorado

Denver, CO • On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Department Information This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If selected for the position the candidate will be required to establish residency in Colorado.

  ABOUT CDPHE: Colorado for All Philosophy: Colorado for All means working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It means we support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Join us in serving our communities to advance Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive. Join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn and play in this beautiful state we call home. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This position is Non-Classified and therefore this announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system.

Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If selected for the position the candidate will be required to establish residency in Colorado. Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.

This position will have hybrid workplace options available, at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs, but will still be required to report to the office located at 8100 Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO, 80230. CDPHE offers: Free parking and access to RTD bus lines. Flexible working arrangements Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans Paid life insurance Short- and long-term disability coverage 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off Tuition assistance Wellness programs Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch Description of Job The Work Unit: State public health laboratories are foundational to protecting the health of the population. Only one of these highly specialized labs exist per state, creating a national network that works closely with the EPA, CDC, FDA and other federal agencies. The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products, natural medicine, and drinking and recreational waters; responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health research

The CPHL conducts around 3 million tests annually and works in partnership with local public health agencies to investigate and monitor public health events. The CPHL is a division within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), known internally as the Laboratory Services Division. What You Will Do: The Laboratory and Scientific Director is in the senior executive services class and appointed by CDPHE's executive director.

The position serves as the leader of the laboratory, providing regulatory, scientific and operational direction and oversight of nearly 150 staff and an annual budget of $45 million. The director is supported by four deputies and numerous managers. The director sets the vision and performance goals, in alignment with CDPHE's Senior Executive Team.

The director fosters an environment that integrates strategic, scientific and systems thinking, plus prioritizes strict attention to quality and compliance, ensuring the validity and dependability of laboratory results, and a continuous improvement mindset. The director provides laboratory personnel with the direction, management and professional development necessary to ensure that laboratory programs effectively meet their statutory and regulatory obligations, and are effective and scientifically rigorous, including Public Health and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Chemistry, Newborn Screening, Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing, Laboratory Certification, Quality Assurance, Biosafety, Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences, Gamete Bank and Fertility Clinics, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Laboratory Data Systems. The laboratory director also serves as the director for CLIA High Complexity Testing.

The position will also oversee and support the laboratory's ongoing modernization and quality improvement efforts, working in concert with the department's Senior Executive Team and quality improvement consultants, providing leadership and scientific consultation, and implementing change management strategies with staff in order to improve laboratory services. The position regularly identifies and communicates issues, resource needs and other challenges to the department's Senior Executive Team (SES), including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and others, assuring that problems are addressed swiftly and effectively. The position works across CDPHE to collaborate with other divisions for testing services and coordinated emergency response.

Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Oversight of the Laboratory Quality Assurance/Environmental Health & Safety/State and Federal Regulatory Compliance Operational Oversight of the Laboratory Human Resources Management Laboratory Modernization and Process Improvement Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives and Public Affairs Emergency Preparedness and Response/Laboratory Logistics Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must meet minimum requirements for a CLIA high complexity laboratory director: MD, DO, or DPM degree with pathology board certification OR 2+ years experience directing high-complexity tests and 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice OR PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science and board-certified by an HHS-approved board and 2 years experience directing and 2 years supervising high complexity testing and 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice Must have two or more years of experience in an executive role at a laboratory, managing staff, and a budget.

You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. "See resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies: Experience working as an executive in a similarly sized laboratory. Experience implementing quality assurance systems and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements Excellent performance management skills. Dynamic leadership skills and demonstrated record of producing results.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. A financial check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Travel (frequency, location, etc.): Potential meetings in other areas of the state or national conferences out of state

May include overnight stays 1-2 times per year. Colorado Driver's License On-call Status: On call for public health emergencies or service disruptions Critical Services Designation: This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations. Supplemental Information A complete application packet must include: Completed State of Colorado application.

A Resume A Cover Letter If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application

The Selection Process: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step. E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. ADAAA Accommodations: The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.


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