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Lab Director Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$54K - $78K/yr

... directors to discuss instrument performance, lab priorities and scheduling. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an ...

University of Pittsburgh

Lab Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

The Lab Director's home department is Health Promotion and Development within the School of Nursing. They support two university labs researching Alzheimer's disease and related dementias with ...

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Lab Director information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$45.1K

$126.4K

$186.4K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in Pennsylvania is $126,389.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,300.00 and $138,800.00 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 Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Lab Director jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Lab Director jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Lab Director jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Lab Director job openings:

Lab Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,389 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Lab Director

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA • On-site

$94K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Bucknell University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 619 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
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 laboratory equipment, supplies ordering and organizing, laboratory safety, equipment training, maintenance and calibration of instruments and equipment, and troubleshooting of issues. Supports and collaborates with faculty in laboratory instructional activities and assists with and advises faculty and students on their research or design projects, emphasizing consideration for current safety protocols and fabrication techniques. Ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations in the handling and disposal of laboratory materials and chemicals; and development and updating of risk assessment and management plans for all science protocols, proposals, observations, and experiments. Collaborates with department faculty, staff, and students as well as facilities personnel and fellow lab directors. Performs related tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratories.
Job Duties:
Reporting Relationship
  • The role will report to the Biomedical Engineering Department Chair

Work Setting/Schedule
  • In person, student facing role
  • 40/hours per week, 52 weeks per year
  • Staff exempt

What You Will Do
  • Manage, organize, and improve laboratory environment resources including facilities, equipment, software, instrumentation, and supplies. Perform maintenance and calibration of instruments and equipment, troubleshooting problems as they arise.
  • Ensure needed equipment or instruments are available, working, and in place for use by students and faculty and oversee and maintain safety protocols in the laboratory.
  • Order, organize, and stock necessary supplies including equipment, instruments, common laboratory supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support classes, student projects, and student and faculty research.
  • Develop and maintain training procedures for laboratory equipment, tools, and other departmental resources for students and faculty.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations in the handling and disposal of laboratory materials and chemicals; and development and updating of risk assessment and management plans for all science protocols, proposals, observations, and experiments.
  • Provide collaborative, timely support to faculty for laboratory instruction and assist and advise faculty and students on research and design projects in areas relevant to the lab director's expertise.
  • The job description's listed responsibilities and tasks are not exhaustive; additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

What You Will Bring
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • Two (2) years of laboratory experience in a scientific or engineering laboratory setting
  • A willingness to develop skills associated with the wide range of technical areas associated with biomedical engineering

Preferred, but not required:
  • Master's degree in a closely related field
  • 3 years laboratory experience in a higher education setting
  • Experience with operating and maintaining scientific test and measurement instrumentation
  • Experience with computer-aided design software, fabrication techniques and equipment (3D printing, machine tools, etc.), and electromechanical systems

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform essential job functions within an office environment, with or without reasonable accommodations. This includes the capacity to engage in activities such as sitting, standing, and moving within the office and campus.

Job Exempt:
Yes
Salary Range:
49,200.00-61,500.00
The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.
This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
Benefits:
Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
  • Flexible scheduling options determined by role;
  • Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
  • An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
  • Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
  • A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
  • A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)
Inclusive Excellence:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
E-Verify
Bucknell University participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
For additional information regarding Bucknell's E-Verify requirements, please contact the office of Talent, Culture & Human Resources (570) 577-1631 or email hr@bucknell.edu.

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