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Lab Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting * Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following ...

Clinical Scientist II - C

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$47.85 - $52.85/hr

Follow all new and revised lab procedures as directed by the Department Manager, General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor or Lab Director. Provides general or direct supervision of Lab personnel and ...

Follow all new and revised lab procedures as directed by the Department Manager, General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor or Lab Director. * Provides general or direct supervision of Lab personnel ...

Provides general or direct supervision of Lab General personnel and general Clerical Personnel as required according to lab law and regulations in the absence of the Department Manager, General ...

Provides general or direct supervision of Lab General personnel and general Clerical Personnel as required according to lab law and regulations in the absence of the Department Manager, General ...

Provides general or direct supervision of Lab General personnel and general Clerical Personnel as required according to lab law and regulations in the absence of the Department Manager, General ...

Provides general or direct supervision of Lab General personnel and general Clerical Personnel as required according to lab law and regulations in the absence of the Department Manager, General ...

Follow all new and revised lab procedures as directed by the Department Manager, General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor or Lab Director. * Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides general or direct ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Director information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$124.4K

$183.6K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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?

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 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.

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. Salaries can be higher in specialized fields such as clinical or research laboratories, especially with advanced certifications and management responsibilities.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,435 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist l/ll

Agendia

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


Apply
Description

**Shift will be Wednesday - Sunday 6:00am - 2:30pm

Job Summary:
The CLS works under minimal supervision, and is responsible for complex molecular diagnostic testing laboratory procedures using all types of qualified specimens submitted for testing. Please note this is a Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Activities:

  • Exceptional knowledgeable of all techniques involving DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and RT-PCR reactions, DNA sequencing and other molecular genetic techniques
  • Considered by the CLS I staff as a resource for micro array technology, such as, labeling RNA, hybridizing, washing and scanning micro arrays
  • Perform diagnostic laboratory activities on the basis of standard operating procedures
  • Compose and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) under the direction of the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager.
  • Consults with the Lab Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager regarding the daily work flow of the clinical laboratory and troubleshooting
  • Performs all aspects of laboratory procedures following safety guidelines and adhering to protocols as it pertains to Agendia, Inc.'s health and safety policies and procedures
  • Responsible for assigned projects (instrument comparisons, instrument calibrations, staff schedules, process improvement, lab training and competency, assay or instrument validation, etc.)
  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned in the laboratory

Post Analytic:

  • Maintain a filling system (paper or electronic) for completed patient data
  • Register results and data in lab journal and LIMS
  • Assist other personnel and departments when requested

Professional:

  • Initiate own career development by being familiar with current literature, seeking out seminars, workshops and other professional meetings relating to professional field.
  • Adhere to various federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines (e.g. California labor laws, OSHA, CLIA, College of American Pathologist, New York State Department of Health, GLP, GCP, HIPAA, ISO 13485, and other as applicable).
  • Exhibit ethical and professional behavior at all times.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

The above listing represents the general duties considered essential functions of the job and is not to be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Requirements

Contacts:
This position may interact with all departments within the company as well as outside vendors and regulatory agencies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • At least a Bachelor's degree required
  • 4+ years clinical laboratory experience with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years clinical lab experience with a Master's degree, or 2+ years clinical lab experience with a doctoral degree.
  • Must have experience with molecular diagnostic techniques, histology techniques, working with databases, microarray analysis, working with quality systems and lab automation and statistical analysis and/or software.

Certificates and License Requirements:

  • California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) License or any other specialist license that can perform high complexity molecular testing.

Skills and Qualifications Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Must have an exceptional understanding of general laboratory techniques and medical terminology with emphasis for the department specific techniques.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of initiative, balanced assertiveness and team orientation.
  • Ability to demonstrate excellent time management skills.
  • Ability to handle biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals.
  • Ability to operate equipment with proficiently to successfully execute test procedures.
  • Computer skills and laboratory automation knowledge.
  • Exceptional ability to communicate effectively and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • A CLS II must be on-site during testing procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • This position requires no formal supervisory responsibilities.

Environment/Safety/Work Environment:

  • General office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Maintains a clean, neat, and orderly work area.
  • Adheres to Department Specific Safety Guidelines.
  • In the absence of the Laboratory Director, Lab Ops Director or Lab Manager, a CLS II must be on-site during testing procedures.

Physical Demands:

  • Standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, manual manipulation, and lifting up to 15 pounds.
  • All candidates must take a color vision test.

Salary Description
$48-$53 per hour