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Lab Director Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Director information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$43.6K

$122.3K

$180.4K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in Decatur, IL is $122,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $134,300.00 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 Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Director jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Director jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Lab Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,300 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
Clinical Simulation and Skill Education Director

Clinical Simulation and Skill Education Director

Richland Community College

Decatur, IL โ€ข On-site

$69K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Clinical Simulation and Skill Education Director
Job Category
Full-Time Staff
Division
Health Professions
Department
Main Campus
Job Description
The Clinical Simulation and Skills Education Director is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership, strategic direction, and management of clinical simulation and skills-based education for the Nurse Assistant (CNA), Practical Nursing (LPN), and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs at Richland Community College.
This position works collaboratively with nursing faculty to integrate simulation into the curriculum, ensuring alignment with course and program learning outcomes. This includes the design, implementation, and evaluation of simulation experiences ranging from low- to high-fidelity scenarios that support student development and achievement.
In partnership with faculty, the clinical simulation and skills education director fosters innovative and realistic learning environments that promote the enhancement of students' technical skills, clinical reasoning, and professional judgment. The position ensures the effective use of simulation and lab resources, adherence to best practices, and continuous improvement in simulation-based education to advance the College's mission and the success of its nursing students.
Required Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master's degree in Nursing required (or completion of a master's degree within one year of hire), along with a minimum of three years of clinical and simulation lab experience. Candidate must possess a current, unencumbered Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license and demonstrate proficiency with simulation technology, including simulation software, manikin operation, and high-fidelity simulation equipment. Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and technical troubleshooting skills are essential for success in this role.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior teaching or instructional design experience.
  • Certification in simulation education or operations, such CHSE (Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator) or CHSOS (Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist).
  • Experience using Laerdal, Gaumard, or other simulation platforms.

Physical Demands
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
Typical work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work schedule may fluctuate depending on clinical, lab, and course demands. Some flexibility in hours is allowed.
Summer hours may vary. This position May be eligible for an alternate work schedule after the probationary period has been successfully completed.
TRAVEL
Travel to healthcare facilities to build relationships within the community. Annual in or out-of-state travel to conferences for professional development and College service.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Must be able to receive, process, and provide visual and verbal information.
  • Must be able to work effectively with a diverse population in a high-volume environment with frequent interruptions and simultaneous tasks.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Work will involve standing, walking, and equipment handling in the simulation and lab setting.

Salary
E-13 ($69,673.76 - $87,092.20)
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S301P
Number of Vacancies
1
Job Open Date
07/08/2026
Job Close Date
07/22/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Advertising Summary