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Laboratory Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Develops and maintains close working relationships with Chiefs to ensure effective communication regarding laboratory matters. Through department managers, directs and manages lab staff to ensure ...

LabConnect is a global central laboratory partner supporting clinical trials with technology ... The COO reports to the CEO and serves on the Executive Leadership Committee. In partnership with ...

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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 Jun 10, 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
Medical Laboratory Director - CLIA Laboratory

Medical Laboratory Director - CLIA Laboratory

Naveris

Waltham, MA • On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

About Us
Would you like to be part of a fast-growing team that believes all patients should have access to advanced diagnostic technologies that enable early detection of cancer when it is most treatable?
Naveris is a privately held, commercial stage, precision oncology diagnostics company dedicated to improving outcomes for the millions of people at risk of developing viral- induced cancers by developing novel molecular diagnostics that enable earlier cancer detection. Our flagship product, the NavDx® test, is used in routine clinical practice by thousands of physicians across the U.S. to monitor for molecular residual disease (MRD) of head & neck and anal cancers caused by the human papilloma virus. The NavDx test has been designated an Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Test (ADLT) by CMS. Naveris operates high complexity testing clinical laboratories that are accredited by the College of American Pathologists and the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center and are certified under CLIA.
Opportunity
Naveris is seeking a Medical Laboratory Director to lead our CLIA laboratories in Massachusetts and North Carolina. Reporting to the CEO, the Laboratory Director is responsible for the overall clinical, scientific, regulatory and administrative activities of the CLIA laboratories. This includes ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements (such as CLIA, CAP and NY State CLEP), providing clinical guidance to ordering physicians and patients, ensuring the quality and accuracy of testing, and leading a team of laboratory professionals. The Medical Laboratory Director provides clinical oversight, interpretation of test results, and consultation with physicians and other healthcare providers. The Laboratory Director is responsible for quality assurance programs, monitoring laboratory performance, and implementing continuous process improvements. Personnel management, training, and fostering a culture of quality care are also key to success in this role. Operational leadership involves collaborating closely with the head of Laboratory Operations on strategies, budgeting, and evaluating new technologies within the laboratory.
Job Requirements
The Medical Laboratory Director must be qualified under the personnel regulations of The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 with a track record of successfully overseeing the scope, standards, and quality of clinical testing services. The Laboratory Director has the knowledge and skills in all relevant areas of practice which includes administration, training and education, research, and patient care. The Director stands responsible for ensuring the provision of accurate laboratory results made available in a timely fashion to enhance medical services to patients. The Director participates in all laboratory related managerial decisions and coordinates with the head of Laboratory Operations to guide the operation of the laboratory including selection of staff, choice of methods, purchase of equipment, quality assurance, quality control, safety, regulatory compliance, hours of operation, scheduling of staff, and utilization management.
The Laboratory Director shall be aware of and perform the duties and responsibilities of the position consistent with current and future standards of accreditation of laboratories by CLIA, the College of American Pathologists, New York State Department of Health and any other relevant regulatory bodies.
The addendum to this job description provides a detailed outline of all duties and requirements the Laboratory Director is responsible for. The addendum will be provided to candidates who are interviewing for the position.
Qualifications
Education:
  • Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field such as chemistry, biology, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology. ABCC, ABMGG, and/or ABB certifications strongly desired
  • M.D., D.O., or M.D. with eligibility to hold valid Massachusetts and North Carolina medical licenses is preferred
  • Eligibility to hold Certificate of Qualification in Oncology, Molecular and Cellular Tumor Markers issued by the New York State Department of Health
  • Certification by the American Board of Pathology (ABP) in Anatomic Pathology and/or Clinical Pathology
  • ABP certification in Molecular Genetic Pathology is preferred

Experience:
  • At least 10 years in a high-complexity CLIA laboratory focused in molecular diagnostics, including 5 years in a leadership role
  • Participation in clinical activities of multidisciplinary cancer care with ability to communicate directly with treating physicians and patients
  • Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Includes in-depth knowledge of oncologic pathology, laboratory regulations, strong leadership and communication skills, ability to evaluate programs, problem-solving, and relationship-building.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team of laboratory professionals, building and maintaining a strong laboratory culture with high employee morale and engagement
  • The ability to work effectively in a corporate setting, collaborating cross- functionally with non-laboratory and non-scientific personnel to advance Company objectives and enhance patient care

Base Salary: $200,000-$350,000. The estimated salary range reflects the anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may vary based on factors including the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, unique skills, education, certifications or licenses, and work location.
Compliance Responsibilities
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that describes the national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. All roles at Naveris require compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of HIPAA and acceptance and adherence to all policies and standards at Naveris. All personnel acknowledge they are personally responsible for reporting any suspected violations or abuse and are required to complete HIPAA training when joining the company.
Naveris is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Naveris is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We don't just accept differences - we celebrate and support them. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.