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Laboratory Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Office Chief Senior Apply now Job No: 542037 Work Type: Full-time Location: PHOENIX Categories ... Knowledge of: - Federal regulations and Arizona Revised Statutes related to laboratory testing ...

Laboratory (Lab) Director

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Please learn more about our Lab Services at Samaritan Healthcare! Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Laboratory Director is responsible for managing, coordinating, and ...

Role Summary Elevate your laboratory career as the Chief Technologist of Cytology. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee the daily operations of a sophisticated Cytology department ...

... (CTO) program. Department Overview: The Lab at LeConte Medical Center is a rewarding place to work. The skilled team of Sr. Lab Assistants, Lab Assistants, MTs, and MLTs work together to provide all ...

... (CTO) program. Department Overview: The Lab at LeConte Medical Center is a rewarding place to work. The skilled team of Sr. Lab Assistants, Lab Assistants, MTs, and MLTs work together to provide all ...

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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 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 | Hospital Laboratory Leadership | Up to $124K

Director of Laboratory | Hospital Laboratory Leadership | Up to $124K

Purple Cow Recruiting

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description:

Director of Laboratory | Hospital Laboratory Leadership | Up to $124K
Full Time | Laboratory Leadership | Acute Care Hospital
Heartline Staffing is a Strategic Talent Partner with Purple Cow Recruiting. We are hiring a Director of Laboratory in Ottumwa, Iowa.
POSITION OVERVIEW
• Senior laboratory leadership role reporting to the Chief Financial Officer
• Responsible for overall laboratory strategy, operations, culture, compliance, financial performance, and growth initiatives
• Oversees laboratory operations within a hospital environment
• Leads employee relations, recruitment, retention, customer service, and regulatory compliance efforts
• Supports laboratory and hospital growth through client recruitment, retention, and customer relations initiatives
COMPENSATION
• Salary range: $91,980-$124,173 annually
• Relocation assistance potential
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Set laboratory strategy and vision
• Build and maintain laboratory culture
• Lead team-building initiatives within the laboratory and hospital
• Manage laboratory financial strategy and operational goals
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies
• Support growth through customer relations and marketing initiatives
• Oversee employee recruitment, retention, and human resource management activities
• Ensure high-quality customer service delivery
• Coordinate laboratory services with hospital departments
• Manage projects, strategic planning, and operational initiatives
• Perform additional duties as assigned
FACILITY
• Ottumwa Regional Health Center
• Regional healthcare facility serving Southeast Iowa
• Offers emergency medicine, critical care, medical/surgical, rehabilitation, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiac services, radiology, wound care, sleep lab, pathology, and specialty services
BENEFITS
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
Heartline Staffing is a Strategic Talent Partner with Purple Cow Recruiting. Applications are securely processed through Purple Cow Recruiting’s system.

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent REQUIRED
• BA/BS in Medical Technology or scientific discipline REQUIRED
• Minimum 5 years supervisory or management experience REQUIRED
• Strong knowledge of accreditation and regulatory requirements REQUIRED
• Strong knowledge of CLIA, HIPAA, CAP, CMS, OIG, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations REQUIRED
• Strong communication and project management skills REQUIRED
• Strong strategic planning and change management skills REQUIRED
• Hospital or reference laboratory experience preferred
• Master's degree preferred
• Previous Director experience preferred
• 8 years supervisory/management experience in hospital or reference laboratory setting preferred
Heartline Staffing is a Strategic Talent Partner with Purple Cow Recruiting. Applications are securely processed through Purple Cow Recruiting’s system.