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Lab Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Natera

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

Natera

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$157K - $197K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

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Lab Director information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$124.4K

$183.6K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in California is $124,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $136,700.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Director jobs in California? For Lab Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Director job openings:
Lab Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,435 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Associate Lab Director

Associate Lab Director

Centrillion Biosciences, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Centrillion is creating transformative genomic technologies leveraging engineering and biochemistry breakthroughs to accelerate discovery and reveal the real genome that has thus far been obscured by its complexity and the limitations of existing technologies. Our team of scientists and engineers is committed to making a new generation of genomic technologies accessible and affordable for a multitude of previously unapproachable apps. Centrillion is backed by venture capital and strategic investors and is located at Palo Alto, CA, at the innovation center of Silicon Valley and close to Stanford University.
Job Description
Centrillion Genomics Services has an immediate opening for a full time Associate Lab Director. We're looking for a congenial and highly communicative person with a minimum of 3 years of laboratory management operations experience in genomics, next-gen sequencing, molecular biology and related areas. A BS/MS degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or related field is required.
  • Train and supervise research technicians and lab associates
  • Oversee instrument set up, run monitoring, trouble-shooting, protocol writing and maintenance of lab instruments
  • Receive, organize and manage customer samples including sample database, logging, tracking
  • Maintain accurate records for sample preparation and report data
  • Order, monitor and track reagent inventory for R&D and service team
  • Monitor and respond to facilities operations needs
  • Point of contact, interact and negotiate with vendors and suppliers
  • Maintain company safety program

Qualifications
  • Excellent organizational, computer and verbal/written communication skills
  • Excellent leadership and people skills including highly developed teamwork mentality
  • Strong background in nucleic acid handling including sample QC, PCR, DNA/RNA library preparation, next-gen sequencing technologies and instrument operation, set up, monitoring and trouble shooting
  • Background and experience in lab management
  • Detail-oriented and ability to meticulously follow, maintain and revise laboratory procedures and protocols as necessary
  • Self-motivated, able to take charge and make decisions in a fast paced environment
  • Strong desire to be reliable and hands on go-to person for lab operations

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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