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Lab Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Group

Lab Director

Carrollton, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Job Summary The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership ...

Certified Group

Lab Director

Carrollton, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Job Summary The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership ...

Bucknell University

Lab Director

Lewisburg, PA · On-site

$94K - $123K/yr

Lab Director Position Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Categories: Staff Exempt Job Summary: Perform a variety of laboratory functions and oversee multiple laboratory rooms, including ...

Bucknell

Lab Director

Arbutus, MD · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Lab Director Position Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Categories: Staff Exempt Job Summary: Perform a variety of laboratory functions and oversee multiple laboratory rooms, including ...

Certified Group

Lab Director

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Job Summary The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership ...

KA Recruiting Inc.

IRL Lab Director

Douglasville, GA

$94K - $123K/yr

IRL Lab Director opening at a beautiful facility in the Douglasville, GA area - Must be SBB MANY different shift options available! Details: * full time, permanent position * extremely competitive ...

Samaritan Healthcare

Laboratory (Lab) Director

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Seeking to fill a leadership opportunity as a Lab Director ? Yes, then we invite you to learn more. Samaritan Healthcare is looking for a Lab Director to join our amazingly dedicated lab team! In ...

Lancesoft INC

Direct Hire: Lab Director

Junction, TX · On-site

$80K/yr

Lab Director Specialty: Clinical Laboratory (Laboratory) Shift: 8 Hour Days Need Specifics: PERM POSITION -- Lab Director to work Mon-Fri 7A-3P or 8A-5P (needs to be flexible on hours) and rotating ...

Valius Sciences

CLIA Lab Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

CLIA Lab Director role We're hiring a Lab Director to join our team in San Francisco to lead the buildout and operation of Valius's first clinical laboratory. This is a foundational role at a company ...

Lancesoft INC

Clinical Lab Director

Junction, TX · On-site

$80K/yr

The Clinical Lab Director oversees operations within a clinical laboratory, ensuring efficient management, regulatory compliance, and high standards in quality control. This role primarily focuses on ...

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Lab Director information

See salary details

$45K

$126.1K

$186K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in the United States is $126,086.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Director, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, extensive laboratory experience, and strong management skills. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance protocols like CLIA or CAP, and quality assurance tools is crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective lab operations, regulatory adherence, and a high standard of scientific integrity and safety.

What is the difference between lab manager and lab director?

A lab director oversees the entire laboratory, setting strategic goals, ensuring compliance, and managing budgets, often holding advanced degrees and leadership experience. A lab manager handles daily operations, supervises staff, and ensures procedures are followed, typically focusing on operational efficiency and technical tasks. The director has a broader, more strategic role, while the manager focuses on day-to-day management.

What does a lab director do?

A lab director oversees the operations, management, and safety of a laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards. They coordinate research activities, supervise staff, and may be involved in budgeting, equipment maintenance, and reporting. Strong leadership, scientific expertise, and knowledge of laboratory protocols are essential for this role.

How much does a lab director make in the US?

A lab director in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications, and may oversee laboratory operations, staff, and compliance with safety standards.

What are some common challenges a Lab Director faces when managing a multidisciplinary team?

Lab Directors often oversee teams composed of scientists, technicians, and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds. A key challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these disciplines, especially when balancing research priorities with regulatory compliance and resource allocation. Building a culture of transparency and continuous improvement helps address these challenges, as does providing ongoing professional development to team members. Proactively managing conflicts and aligning the team's goals with the lab's overall mission are also crucial responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying job in a laboratory is often a Laboratory Director or Chief Scientific Officer, who oversees operations, manages staff, and ensures compliance with regulations. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and organization size.
More about Lab Director jobs
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Lab Director jobs near you

Lab Director

Certified Group

Carrollton, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership, quality and safety, financial management, and customer engagement. Acting with a strong general manager mindset, the Lab Director owns the site's performance, including profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, resource planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Core Operations

  • Lead the lab to deliver high-quality, efficient testing aligned with company goals.
  • Conduct daily huddles with operations and supervisors to set priorities and allocate resources.
  • Maintain up-to-date technical competence and stay informed on industry developments.

Quality & Safety

  • Ensure ISO 17025 compliance and audit readiness.
  • Champion a culture of quality and safety; maintain sanitary and organized lab conditions.
  • Monitor lab equipment functionality and coordinate timely maintenance or replacement.

Customer Engagement

  • Serve as the lab's primary point of contact for clients.
  • Deliver exceptional service with timely and accurate responses to inquiries and concerns.
  • Support client retention and growth by exceeding expectations and turnaround time goals.

People Leadership

  • Lead a large, multi-shift team (40-100+ employees).
  • Forecast staffing needs and align schedules with testing volume.
  • Recruit, train, coach, and retain high-performing employees.
  • Develop supervisors into effective people leaders and ensure accountability at all levels.
  • Promote cross-training and career growth aligned with internal career ladders.

Profitability

  • Own and manage the site's financial performance.
  • Optimize operational costs related to labor, inventory, couriers, and vendors.
  • Drive productivity and cost-efficiency while maintaining service excellence.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

  • Champion problem-solving and new ideas for improving service, quality, and efficiency.
  • Serve as a key contributor to Certified Group enterprise-wide projects and pilots.
  • Maintain a visible presence in the lab to provide real-time coaching and support.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields.
    • MBA preferred
  • Hands-on experience utilizing analytical methods and instrumentation (LC-MS, HPLC, ICP-MS, etc.)
  • 7+ years of leadership experience in operations, preferably in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
  • Experience managing and coaching front-line supervisors 
  • Experience with commercial laboratory testing (dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC products preferred)
  • Proven success in P&L management and operational excellence.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills, including experience leading through others.
  • Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and drive compliance.
  • Proficient in problem-solving and process improvement methodologies.

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