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Lab Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dosimetry Lab Operations Manager Location: Glenwood, Illinois Job Type: Full-Time Job Summary: Are you a strategic leader with a passion for dosimetry, lab operations, and continuous improvement? As ...

Role Description We are seeking a Senior Lab Operations Lead to own the day-to-day management and scaling of Until Labs' research facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring that a large ...

Lab Technician I

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

About the Role As a Laboratory Standards Technician, you'll be at the heart of our lab operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly while directly contributing to innovations that save lives.

Lab Technician I

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

About the Role As a Laboratory Standards Technician, you'll be at the heart of our lab operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly while directly contributing to innovations that save lives.

Lab Technician

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This position supports both internal teams and external customers by ensuring accurate sample preparation, maintaining organized lab operations, and upholding high standards of safety and quality in ...

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Lab Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$26

$46

How much do lab operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying laboratory job?

The highest paying laboratory jobs are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Principal Investigators, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lab Operations, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, quality control, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), instrumentation calibration, and regulatory standards like GLP or ISO is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure smooth workflow and collaboration within the lab. These competencies are crucial for maintaining accurate results, regulatory compliance, and efficient lab functioning.

What does a lab operator do?

A lab operator is responsible for managing laboratory equipment, preparing samples, following safety protocols, and recording data accurately. They often use tools like microscopes, pipettes, and lab information management systems (LIMS) to ensure proper testing and analysis. Attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures are essential in this role.

What do lab operations do?

Lab operations involve managing the daily functions of a laboratory, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, safety compliance, and process optimization. Professionals in this field ensure that laboratory activities run efficiently, accurately, and safely, often using tools like laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

What is the difference between Lab Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing lab workflows, managing staff, and ensuring complianceHands-on testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, clinical labs, and industrial settings for management rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and industrial laboratories for technical tasks

Lab Operations professionals focus on managing laboratory workflows, staff, and compliance, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians perform hands-on testing and sample analysis, typically with an associate degree or certification. While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Lab Operations roles are more managerial and oversight-oriented, whereas Laboratory Technicians are more technical and operational.

What are Lab Operations?

Lab Operations refers to the processes, systems, and people responsible for ensuring that a laboratory runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes managing equipment, supplies, safety protocols, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. Those working in lab operations may coordinate experiments, maintain instruments, oversee inventory, and support researchers or scientists. The goal is to create a safe and organized environment that enables scientific work to be carried out effectively and in compliance with industry standards.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI can automate certain tasks in lab operations, such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace lab technicians who perform hands-on experiments, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure safety. Human oversight remains essential for complex decision-making, quality control, and maintaining laboratory standards. Lab technicians will continue to adapt by working alongside AI tools and developing skills in digital and technical competencies.

What are some common challenges faced in lab operations roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in lab operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory and equipment calibration, and ensuring smooth workflow coordination among team members. Staying organized and implementing standardized protocols can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, strong communication skills and regular training support efficient collaboration between scientists, technicians, and support staff, which is crucial for minimizing errors and maintaining a productive lab environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Dosimetry Lab Operations Manager

Dosimetry Lab Operations Manager

Fortive

Glenwood, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Dosimetry Lab Operations Manager 

Location: Glenwood, Illinois 
Job Type: Full-Time 

Job Summary: 

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for dosimetry, lab operations, and continuous improvement? As the Dosimetry Lab Operations Manager, you will oversee both technical and operational aspects of our dosimetry services and laboratory functions. This role combines leadership in product line management and lab operations, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and compliance while driving Lean initiatives and cross-functional collaboration. As the Dosimetry Lab Operations Manager for you will lead a team of associates to develop a future state vision for the manufacturing operations. Through Daily Management, you will identify gaps from current state, build an improvement road map and implement your strategy to achieve future state vision. You will work with business leaders regarding commercial opportunities for new products and execute operational strategies to drive financial performance and Best in Class performance! 

Key Responsibilities: 

Technical Oversight & Dosimetry Services 

  • Lead the LANDAUER dosimetry lab product lines including OSL, TLD, and CR39 dosimetry to ensure accuracy and reliability. 
  • Implement and maintain quality control measures aligned with ISO 17025, ANSI, IEC, and other relevant standards. 
  • Ensure compliance with radiation safety protocols and data integrity regulations. 
  • Manage equipment and inventory for analysis and calibration functions. 

Operational Leadership 

  • Oversee daily operations of dosimeter receiving and analysis labs. 
  • Drive safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity metrics using Lean and Fortive Business System principles. 
  • Coordinate New Product Introductions (NPI) and transitions from engineering to manufacturing. 
  • Be a change agent in Daily Management to drive results through Safety, Quality, Deliver, Inventory and Productivity 

Team Management & Development 

  • Supervise and develop staff across operational teams. 
  • Conduct hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations. 
  • Collaborate with HR on talent development, succession planning, and organizational growth. 
  • Provide leadership coverage across shifts and support weekend operations as needed. 

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Initiatives 

  • Use Gemba and Lean tools to identify and eliminate defects, streamline processes, and reduce waste. 
  • Conduct regular reviews to align with KPIs and improvement projects. 
  • Manage budgets and provide variance reporting, forecasting, and corrective actions. 

Qualifications: 

  • Education: 
    • Bachelor's degree in Health Physics, Radiation Safety, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred. 
  • Experience: 
    • Minimum 3 years in dosimetry, health physics, or progressive operations leadership
    • Prior management experience required. 
    • Experience in ISO/IEC 17025 calibration/testing labs preferred. 
  • Skills: 
    • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. 
    • Strong data analysis skills. 
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerBI, SQL, and data analysis tools. 
  • Knowledge: 
    • Understanding of radiation measurement, dosimetry standards, and operational compliance. 

Working Hours: 

  • Standard full-time hours with flexibility to support cross-functional needs and weekend operations as scheduled. 

Benefits: 

  • Competitive salary and benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. 

Fortive Corporation Overview

Fortive's essential technology makes the world stronger, safer, and smarter. We accelerate transformation across a broad range of applications including environmental, health and safety compliance, industrial condition monitoring, next-generation product design, and healthcare safety solutions.

We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in software-powered workflow solutions, data-driven intelligence, AI-powered automation, and other disruptive technologies. We're a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to groundbreaking sustainability solutions.

We are a diverse team 18,000 strong, united by a dynamic, inclusive culture and energized by limitless learning and growth. We use the proven Fortive Business System (FBS) to accelerate our positive impact. 

At Fortive, we believe in you. We believe in your potential-your ability to learn, grow, and make a difference. 

At Fortive, we believe in us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems no one could solve alone. 

At Fortive, we believe in growth. We're honest about what's working and what isn't, and we never stop improving and innovating.

Fortive: For you, for us, for growth.

About Fluke Health Solutions

Fluke Health Solutions (FHS), an operating company of Fortive, is comprised of 3 industry leaders - LANDAUER, Fluke Biomedical, Victoreen, and RaySafe.  We lead the biomedical and radiation detection markets with innovative products and services to keep customers, patients, and clients safe.  Our portfolio of products includes software, biomedical test equipment, radiation measurement and radiation detection. 
The Fluke Health Solutions vision is to empower our everyday heroes to focus only on protecting lives.

We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at applyassistance@fortive.com.  

Fortive logo

About Fortive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Fortive is a diversified technology company that operates across multiple industries, delivering innovative solutions and products that empower businesses to enhance their productivity and operational efficiency. With a strong portfolio of industry-leading brands, Fortive focuses on creating intelligent, connected devices and software that enable precise measurement, control, and optimization. Fortive's expertise spans various sectors, including industrial automation, transportation, healthcare, and retail. Through advanced technologies and solutions, Fortive help customers automate processes, improve quality and safety, and drive overall performance. Whether it's precision measurement instruments, sensing technologies, or software platforms, Fortive provides reliable and scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Everett, WA, US

Year founded

2016

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