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Lab Director Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Farm Monitoring Technician

Elkmont, AL · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Perform all routine departmental tests as directed by lab management * Responsible for the quality of work performed as well as the quality of the product produced. * Maintain laboratory and pen ...

Farm Monitoring Technician

Elkmont, AL · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Perform all routine departmental tests as directed by lab management * Responsible for the quality of work performed as well as the quality of the product produced. * Maintain laboratory and pen ...

Senior Director - TS/MS

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$163K - $239K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Director of Technical Services/Manufacturing Science (TS/MS) oversees ... MS lab areas. The role is part of the Lilly New Site Lead Team, which collectively sets and ...

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Lab Director information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$40.2K

$112.8K

$166.4K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in Decatur, AL is $112,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $123,900.00 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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Lab Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,767 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Tech II - Quality Chem Lab

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Carpenter Technology rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Carpenter Technology Corporation is a leading producer and distributor of premium specialty alloys, including titanium alloys, nickel and cobalt based superalloys, stainless steels, alloy steels and tool steels. Carpenter Technology's high-performance materials and advanced process solutions are an integral part of critical applications used within the aerospace, transportation, medical and energy markets, among other markets. Building on its history of innovation, Carpenter Technology's wrought and powder technology capabilities support a range of next-generation products and manufacturing techniques, including novel magnetic materials and additive manufacturing. Our Tanner, AL location is an integrated mill manufacturing high quality premium and ultra-premium forged bar and billet products from melt to ship.
TECHNICIAN II - QUALITY CHEMICAL LAB - Daylight
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE TECHNICIAN II - QUALITY CHEMICAL LAB
  • Based on working knowledge of all machinery within area, performs a diversified range of moderately complex tasks related to the preparation of steel, alloy, and slag specimens and the associated analysis of these specimens by instrumental methods.
  • Analyses consist of several complex steps, including type correction standards, and are completed under moderate supervision.
  • Inspect test specimens for acceptable quality criteria, rejecting poor quality test specimens, and requesting replacement samples from internal customers as required.
  • Prepare test specimens for analysis using various equipment. This equipment includes abrasive saws, disk and belt sanders, horizontal grinder and drill presses.
  • Perform prescribed routine preventative maintenance checks and corrective maintenance and make adjustments as required on various sample preparation machinery and auxiliary equipment including optical emission spectrometers. This includes sludge removal, dust collection system cleaning, sharpening drill bits and replacement of broken or worn abrasives.
  • Register new test specimens into the electronic laboratory management system. Properly identify samples and retain or discard these samples according to standard operating procedure.
  • Accurately perform analysis of furnace and product specimens using C/S combustion instruments, N/O fusion instruments, and Optical Emission Spectrometers, SEM and Inverted Microscope. Maintain these instruments according to intervals required by SOP.
  • Review test data and apply appropriate corrections based on certified reference material analyses or other statistical means.
  • Perform all other duties and special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED FOR THE TECHNICIAN II - QUALITY CHEMICAL LAB
  • High school diploma is required; additional demonstrated relevant experience is preferred. Associate Degree in Chemistry or two years in a physical science curriculum is also preferred.
  • One to two years of relevant laboratory experience and six months' experience as a Technician I is required.
  • Works with moderate supervision/guidance; accountable for individual results and impact on team.
  • Ensures a safe workplace. Promotes ways to improve the quality of life and protect the environment in the communities in which the Company does business.
  • Applicable knowledge of chemical lab testing procedures as demonstrated through the training/qualification process.
  • Working knowledge of chemical lab testing procedures.
  • Working knowledge of chemical lab testing equipment to include C/S, N/O and the optical emission spectrometer, SEM and Inverted Microscope.
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis methodology.
  • Applicable knowledge for using instrument software and applying type correction to results.
  • Applicable knowledge of LIMS system.
  • Ability to operate a computer workstation and the related hardware and software for the LIMS system, the Leco units and the optical emission spectrometers.
  • Ability to operate and maintain chemical lab equipment.
  • Ability to organize tasks and follow established priorities for processing samples and make appropriate decisions.
  • Ability to work in a production-oriented environment.
  • Ability to work with and without direct supervision.
  • Verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Mechanical skills for routine maintenance, minor repairs and the maintenance of the optical emission spectrometers.

Carpenter Technology Company offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including life, medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, 401k with company contributions as well as many other options to employees.
Carpenter Technology Corporation's policy is to fully and effectively maintain a program of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination for all employees, to employ affirmative action for all protected classes, and to recruit and develop the best qualified persons available regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company also will recruit, develop and provide opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans.

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