1

Laboratory Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead / Chief Nurse

Miami, FL · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

Lead / Chief Nurse The Lead/ Chief Nurse is in charge of the nursing staff aboard the cruise ship and reports to the ships Physician, ship's Chief Doctor as well as to the Fleet Chief Nursing Officer ...

The COO serves as a key member of the senior executive team, integrates the organization ... laboratory services, social work, and Joint Commission/CARF accreditation functions. What We're ...

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Chief Financial Officer Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Region: Southeastern Iowa Relocation: Available for qualified candidates Position Overview The Director of Laboratory Services provides ...

The COO serves as a key member of the senior executive team, integrates the organization ... laboratory services, social work, and Joint Commission/CARF accreditation functions. What We're ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Laboratory Chief information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do laboratory chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laboratory Chief, and why are they important?

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 Laboratory Chiefs?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Director of Laboratory Operations

Director of Laboratory Operations

MRINetwork Jobs

Asheville, NC • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Melissa Owens| President 

P: (386)339-0839 |E: melissa@alliedsearchpartners.com 

Schedule a Meeting: https://calendly.com/melissaowens  

Job Description

Job ID: 3443606

Job Title: Permanent Director of Laboratory Operations

Schedule: Day Shift

Location: Asheville, NC

Job Summary: The Director of Operations has responsibility for daily laboratory operations and coordinates and manages the general business and operation of the laboratory including supervision of technical supervisors of laboratory departments. She/He is responsible for efficient and effective departmental operations, including quality control and adherence to compliance polices. Working with the Chief Scientific Officer/Senior Laboratory Director the Director of Operations directs the planning and implementation of the overall policies, procedures and services for the laboratory sections. He/she is familiar with a variety of the clinical laboratory concepts, practices and procedures and relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. She/He leads and directs the work of others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintains final responsibility for turn-around time in assigned department(s).
  • Works closely with Technical Supervisory staff and provides oversight and guidance.
  • Responsible for maintaining and supporting sufficient and competent laboratory personnel.
  • Monitors staff productivity and workload and works with supervisors to adjust scheduling accordingly.
  • Works with Technical Supervisor staff on PT administration and compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Prepares and/or presents proposals for new instrumentation in concert with supervisor staff.
  • Identifies and monitors costs associated with department operations and assists CSO/Laboratory Director with development and annual department budgets.
  • Works with other personnel as a laboratory representative to plan and implement projects, including preparation of written requirements associated with specific project goals, providing status reports and development solutions for problems as they arise
  • Works with CSO/Laboratory Director and Technical Supervisor on method selection and verification and determining the performance characteristics of the laboratory methods.
  • Ensures effective remedial and corrective action programs in the laboratory.
  • Helps develop operations, quality and troubleshooting procedures in partnership with CSO/Laboratory Director and Office of Quality.
  • Works with the Office of Quality and Technical Supervisors to ensure compliance with training and competency policies.
  • Maintains professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, etc.
  • Participates/presents educational training to lab staff.
  • Identifies personnel with leadership potential and works with HR and laboratory leadership to develop that potential.
  • Provides regular and timely updates to appropriate personnel, and answers inquiries from other areas of the company.
  • As needed, schedules and leads meetings associated with laboratory projects and operations.

In coordination with the Chief Scientific Officer/Senior Laboratory Director:

  • Establishes policies and procedures for technical areas of the laboratory.
  • Assist in solving technical problems.
  • Maintains responsibility for ensuring overall laboratory quality, including quality control and quality assurance programs.
  • Leads the laboratory effort to develop systems to achieve performance objectives
  • Responsible for participation in regular proficiency testing programs for the lab.
  • Responsible for ensuring that all records are up to date and available for inspection.
  • Ensures regular review of quality control for trends and problems

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • This job has direct supervisory responsibilities of Technical Supervisor(s) assigned to the specific laboratory departments.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

  • Ph.D., MS or BS in Medical Technology or a Chemical, Physical, Biological science from an accredited institution.
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience,
  • Must have leadership qualities, be adaptable to change and self-motivated.
  • Must possess communication, motivational, technical, human relations, conceptual and decision-making skills.
  • Experience/training in Lean/Six Sigma preferred.

Computer Skills:

  • Must be able to learn and utilize the laboratory information system.

Physical Demands:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job while wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
  • On occasion the individual may be called upon to handle biological specimens.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.