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Lab Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Marymount University

Adjunct Lab Instructor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$37.50/hr

Title Adjunct Lab Instructor Direct Supervisor Director of Lab and Experiential Learning Status Non- exempt Division Academic Affairs Location Marymount University Main Campus Benefits Eligibility No ...

Mary Washington Healthcare

EEG Tech, PRN

Stafford, VA · On-site

$26.69 - $37.37/hr

Assists Specialty Electroneurodiagnostics echnologist, Lab Director, and physicians (as applicable) in activities that add value to positive patient outcomes and improve hospital operations.

Onterris

Environmental Laboratory Analyst I

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Other duties as assigned by the Group Leader or Lab Director YourExpertise andSkills These requirements reflect the knowledge,skillsand abilities that help you do your best work here. * Associate ...

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Lab Director information

See Virginia salary details

$44.6K

$125K

$184.4K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in Virginia is $125,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $137,300.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Director jobs in Virginia? For Lab Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Lab Director job openings:
Lab Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,005 per year, or $60.1 per hour.
Associate Lab Director, Energy & Applied Science & Technology

Associate Lab Director, Energy & Applied Science & Technology

Jefferson Lab

Newport News, VA • On-site

$260K - $357K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Jefferson Lab, you'll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark - where excellence meets purpose, and great minds truly matter.
The good-faith pay range for this role is $260,104 - $357,643 per year. Actual compensation may vary and may be above the posted range based on factors such as a candidate's skills, experience, education, certifications, and work location.
What your job will be like:
The Associate Lab Director, Energy and Applied Science and Technology, (ALD, EAST) provides strategic and operational leadership for Jefferson Laboratory's Energy and Applied Science & Technology Directorate, including the SRF Institute, Cryogenic Technologies, Detector Technologies, and Engineering. This role is responsible for advancing key nuclear physics technologies while positioning the Laboratory for future mission growth across DOE and other sponsors. The ALD,EAST ensures delivery of engineering and technology capabilities that enable major projects and support the CEBAF user facility, while expanding into new program areas across DOE Office of Science (BES, NE), DoD, NNSA, NASA, and industry. Through strong technical leadership and partnerships, this position drives innovation, strengthens core competencies, and ensures the Laboratory remains a leader in applied science and mission-critical technologies. ALD, EAST will simultaneously supply key capabilities supporting CEBAF while providing critical leadership in the realization of the TJNAF multi-program vision.
In this job you will:
  • Develop and implement a strategy aligned with the TJNAF multiprogram vision by expanding and enhancing the Energy & Applied Science & Technology capabilities through advanced scientific and engineering excellence and impact.
  • Develop and maintain strong and respectful relationships with new and expanding sponsors in support of the TJNAF multi-program vision, including BES, NE, DoD, NNSA, NASA.
  • Serve as a member of the Directorate, sharing responsibility for the excellence in science and technology, operational excellence, and community engagement at TJNAF.
  • Support the CEBAF Facility in annual operational commitments through Energy & Applied Science & Technology capabilities.
  • Lead division-wide talent strategies by championing leadership development, robust succession planning, and continuous performance coaching.
  • Advance crosscutting TJNAF initiatives that combine unique capabilities across the Laboratory to accelerate laboratory-wide scientific impact.
  • Work with Directorate and Lab Director's Office to identify and implement other Laboratory research priorities, including thorough strategic use of LDRD (Laboratory-Directed Research and Development).
  • Create and nurture an environment that promotes and embraces a multi-faceted workforce and champions the TJNAF values of impact, teamwork, safety, integrity and service.
  • Provide Energy & Applied Science & Technology perspectives on Laboratory-Level decisions and key Laboratory committees.
  • Lead self-assessments, planning and tracking for Energy & Applied Science & Technology elements associated with the Laboratory Agenda, Annual Laboratory Plan, and other performance tools.
  • Review corrective actions that have Laboratory-wide impacts with particular emphasis on those that are documented and managed by tracking systems external to TJNAF.

Lead - Supervisory - Management
  • Perform line management of the Energy & Applied Science & Technology capabilities leadership, including but not limited to Detector Development, Engineering Division, CASA Institute, and SRF Institute.
  • Identify key organizational staffing needs, recruit, and develop S&T staff to be future leaders/mentors.
  • Lead and manage, through direct reports and matrixed staff, the staff of the Detector Development, Engineering Division, CASA Institute, and SRF Institute.

Experience
  • Required: 20 or more years International recognition and demonstrated accomplishments
  • Required: 5 or more years Demonstrated executive management experience, including developing and leading large complex and multidisciplinary research programs and/or user facilities
  • Required: Demonstrated experience of successfully developing, implementing, and executing scientific strategy with engagement from critical stakeholders
  • Required: Experience communicating with key stakeholders, clients, program sponsors, internal staff, and the security/intelligence community
  • Required: Proven commitment to safety and integrity
  • Preferred: Track record of growing programs across a broad sponsor base

Education
  • Required: Ph.D.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to lead and manage complex technical scope.
  • Ability to establish priorities, assess competing resource demands and make decisions that optimize performance.
  • Familiarity with the Department of Energy (DOE).
  • Proficiency in financial analysis and forecasting.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and speaking skills with the ability to organize, analyze, and implement complex topics and initiatives, with attention to detail.
  • Capable of handling multiple competing priorities in a complex R&D environment.
  • Commitment to safety, high standard of ethics and integrity.

About Jefferson Lab
Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.
A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of "big science" and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.
Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab
At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
• 401(k) Plan - 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested • Flexible Work Arrangements
(Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches,
mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast
SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am - 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.
Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.

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