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Forensic Laboratory Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Patient Services Technician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

... both the forensic and clinical specimen collection and processing duties following established ... Matches laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes. Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze ...

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Forensic Laboratory Director information

See Indiana salary details

$42.8K

$120K

$177K

How much do forensic laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic laboratory director in Indiana is $119,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic laboratory director do?

A Forensic Laboratory Director oversees the operations and administration of a forensic science laboratory. They are responsible for managing staff, ensuring quality assurance, developing policies, and maintaining compliance with accreditation standards. Their role also involves budgeting, training, and sometimes representing the lab in court or public forums. Directors play a crucial part in ensuring that forensic analyses are accurate, timely, and legally defensible. They also help implement new technologies and methodologies to improve laboratory efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic laboratory director?

To thrive as a Forensic Laboratory Director, you need advanced scientific expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree—often a master's or doctorate in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), accreditation standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025), and evidence handling protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills help foster effective operations and uphold scientific integrity. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate, reliable results, legal compliance, and a well-functioning forensic laboratory.

What are some common challenges faced by a forensic laboratory director in managing staff and casework priorities?

Forensic Laboratory Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing high case volumes with limited resources while maintaining rigorous quality standards. They must effectively allocate staff to ensure timely analysis, oversee compliance with accreditation requirements, and address any technical or ethical issues that arise. Additionally, they frequently coordinate with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and external stakeholders, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Navigating these demands while fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment is essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Forensic Laboratory Director vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic Laboratory DirectorForensic Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in forensic science, chemistry, or related field, along with management experienceUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, and ensures quality controlPerforms laboratory analyses, tests, and reports on forensic evidence
Employer & Industry UsageFound in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, and government labsEmployed in similar settings, focusing on evidence analysis

The main difference is that the Forensic Laboratory Director manages the entire lab's operations and staff, while the Forensic Scientist conducts the actual forensic analyses. The director holds higher-level responsibilities, including oversight and strategic planning, whereas the scientist focuses on technical work.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Indiana?

For Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Laboratory Director jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Forensic Laboratory Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Forensic Laboratory Director job openings:

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Lighthouse Lab Services is partnering with an innovative high-complexity toxicology laboratory to identify an experienced Scientific Director in Indianapolis, IN to provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership across its clinical and forensic drug testing laboratories.

This executive-level position serves as the laboratory's designated Laboratory Director, overseeing scientific operations, regulatory compliance, quality systems, research and development initiatives, and toxicology consultation services. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in forensic toxicology with strong leadership skills and a passion for advancing laboratory quality, innovation, and client service.

The Role You'll Play

Scientific & Laboratory Leadership

  • Provide scientific and technical oversight for a high-complexity clinical and forensic toxicology laboratory.
  • Partner with executive leadership to shape laboratory strategy, growth initiatives, and operational excellence.
  • Ensure laboratory operations consistently meet CLIA, CAP, state licensure, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Lead continuous quality improvement efforts, proficiency testing, and laboratory accreditation activities.
  • Review and approve laboratory procedures, validations, quality documentation, and technical protocols.
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies and testing methodologies that enhance laboratory performance and efficiency.

Regulatory & Quality Oversight

  • Maintain laboratory compliance with CLIA, CAP Forensic Drug Testing Accreditation, OSHA, and applicable state regulatory agencies.
  • Oversee laboratory quality assurance programs and corrective action processes.
  • Ensure personnel competency programs are established, maintained, and documented.
  • Provide technical oversight for laboratory policies, procedures, and quality systems.

Research, Development & Innovation

  • Direct research and development initiatives supporting new assay development and laboratory advancements.
  • Review and approve instrument validations and laboratory information system changes.
  • Collaborate with laboratory operations to successfully transition validated methods into production.

Client Consultation & Expert Support

  • Serve as the organization's primary toxicology consultant, providing interpretation of laboratory results and scientific guidance to clients.
  • Participate in client education and scientific presentations.
  • Act as the laboratory's designated expert witness, preparing reports and providing testimony for legal proceedings when required.

Team Leadership

  • Mentor and develop laboratory scientists, technical leaders, and quality personnel.
  • Foster a collaborative culture focused on scientific excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in executive and laboratory leadership meetings to support organizational objectives.

What We're Looking For

  • Doctoral degree (PhD) in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology, or another related laboratory science field, or an MD/DO meeting Laboratory Director requirements.
  • Board certification that satisfies CLIA and applicable state Laboratory Director requirements.
  • Minimum of two years directing or supervising high-complexity laboratory testing.
  • Strong background in forensic toxicology and drugs-of-abuse testing.
  • Experience serving as a Laboratory Director within a CLIA-regulated laboratory.
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining CAP and CLIA compliance.
  • Experience providing expert witness testimony and scientific consultation is required.
  • New York Laboratory Director qualifications are strongly preferred.
  • Experience with alternative specimen matrices (oral fluid, hair, blood) is a plus.

Preferred Skills

  • Extensive knowledge of high-complexity laboratory operations and quality systems.
  • Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and state laboratory regulations.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
  • Exceptional scientific writing and technical communication skills.
  • Ability to explain complex toxicology concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Experience with laboratory information systems (LIMS/LIS) and validation processes.
  • Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and laboratory excellence.

Salary & Benefits:

  • Competitive salary (DoE)
  • Health, vision, dental
  • PTO + Paid Holidays
  • 401k

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status regarding public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities. If at any time during the application process, you need accommodation, please contact hrsupport@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.

Lighthouse Lab Services | 800-838-0602 | lighthouselabservices.com
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