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Laboratory Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maintains open communication with front desk, Infusion Team, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Chief Therapist and therapists as it applies to patient add ons, on-treatment breaks, and changes in treatments.

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Laboratory Chief information

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do laboratory chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory chief in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory chief?

Laboratory Chiefs are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the operations, staff, and scientific direction of a laboratory. They ensure that all laboratory work complies with safety regulations, quality standards, and organizational goals. Laboratory Chiefs manage budgets, coordinate research or testing activities, and often serve as the primary point of contact between the laboratory and external stakeholders. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining efficient, accurate, and innovative laboratory environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory chief?

To thrive as a Laboratory Chief, you need advanced expertise in laboratory science, management experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality control protocols, and regulatory compliance certifications like CLIA or CAP accreditation is important. Leadership, strategic decision-making, and strong communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies ensure effective laboratory operations, regulatory adherence, and high-quality scientific results.

What are some common challenges faced by a laboratory chief in managing both personnel and lab operations?

As a Laboratory Chief, one of the main challenges is balancing administrative duties with the scientific oversight of projects and staff. Managing a diverse team of technicians and scientists requires effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to align individual and group goals with the laboratory’s objectives. Additionally, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards while keeping up with technological advancements can be demanding. Staying organized and fostering a collaborative culture are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining high productivity.

What is the difference between Laboratory Chief vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectLaboratory ChiefLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree (e.g., Bachelor's or Master's in Laboratory Science, Microbiology, or related fields) and professional certificationsUsually requires a relevant degree and some supervisory experience, but certifications may be less extensive
Work EnvironmentLeads laboratory operations, oversees quality control, and manages staff in a laboratory settingSupervises daily laboratory activities, manages staff, and ensures workflow efficiency
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitals, research institutions, and large laboratoriesUsed across various labs, including clinical, research, and industrial labs

The Laboratory Chief typically holds a higher-level leadership role with broader responsibilities, including strategic planning and compliance oversight. The Laboratory Supervisor focuses more on daily operations and staff management. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but the Laboratory Chief generally has more advanced qualifications and a wider scope of responsibilities.

More about Laboratory Chief jobs
Infographic showing various Laboratory Chief job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Fort Campbell, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Duties

Employees will perform work in a clinical laboratory setting.

Performs a full range of laboratory testing.

Provides technical guidance and quality assurance oversight on a full range of processes conducted in the laboratory.

Performs clinical laboratory testing of human blood, urine, and other body fluids or tissues using manual or automated techniques.

Recognizes, locates, and implements corrective action to solve technical or clerical problems.

Monitors overall workflow pattern within section during shift; advises supervisor or clinical laboratory chief of problem areas.

Trains new staff clinical laboratory scientists/technicians and students in procedures, instrumentation, and workload organization.