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Laboratory Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA

$128K - $167K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

Natera

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$225K - $280K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

ALS

Laboratory Director

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Laboratory Director Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you join a purpose and values-driven team that empowers you to innovate, create, and thrive.

Actalent

Laboratory Director

Folsom, CA

$113K - $148K/yr

The Laboratory Director is responsible for ensuring a positive operating margin, meeting or exceeding annual budgetary goals, and overseeing daily laboratory operations to efficiently meet client ...

ALS

Laboratory Director

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Laboratory Director Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you join a purpose and values-driven team that empowers you to innovate, create, and thrive.

Natera

Laboratory Director (ABMG)

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

The Laboratory Director provides strategic clinical oversight and partnership for Natera's Early Cancer Detection program. In this role, you will ensure all laboratory testing is performed to the ...

Natera

Associate/Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

As the Associate/Laboratory Director, Oncology and one of our Laboratory Directors, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing. You ensure that testing is properly performed, and ...

Natera

Associate/Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

As the Associate/Laboratory Director, Oncology and one of our Laboratory Directors, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing. You ensure that testing is properly performed, and ...

Natera

Laboratory Director (ABMG)

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

The Laboratory Director provides strategic clinical oversight and partnership for Natera's Early Cancer Detection program. In this role, you will ensure all laboratory testing is performed to the ...

Natera

Associate Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

As the Associate/Laboratory Director, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing. You ensure that testing is properly performed, and applicable regulatory standards are met. You are ...

Natera

Associate Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

As the Associate/Laboratory Director, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing. You ensure that testing is properly performed, and applicable regulatory standards are met. You are ...

BioNano

Clinical Lab Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

The Clinical Laboratory Director partners with laboratory operations, quality, medical affairs, R&D, and senior leadership to maintain compliant laboratory practices, support assay validation and ...

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Laboratory Director information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$124.4K

$183.6K

How much do laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory director in California is $124,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory director?

A Laboratory Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the operations, quality control, and regulatory compliance of a laboratory. They ensure that all laboratory procedures adhere to industry standards and legal requirements, manage staff, and develop and implement policies for efficient workflow. Laboratory Directors often have advanced degrees in laboratory science or a related field and possess extensive experience in laboratory management. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and safety of laboratory results.

What does a laboratory director do?

As a laboratory director, you oversee all operations within a medical lab. Your responsibilities include completing administrative duties, managing personnel, supervising procedures, checking supplies, maintaining the equipment, and setting up the lab. Depending on your qualifications and skills, you may also assist with planning experiments and interpreting test results. It is your responsibility to ensure all staff activities and tests meet safety standards and regulations and produce quality results. A laboratory director works closely with the laboratory manager and communicates with other departments, such as human resources and clinical staff, so you need strong communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Director, you need advanced knowledge in laboratory science, strong management abilities, and typically a relevant advanced degree with significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality control protocols, and certifications such as CLIA or CAP accreditation are often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for guiding teams and maintaining regulatory compliance. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable laboratory operations, staff performance, and adherence to industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by laboratory directors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Laboratory Directors often face challenges such as maintaining regulatory compliance, managing diverse teams, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of test results. Balancing administrative responsibilities with scientific oversight can be demanding, especially in high-volume or specialized labs. Effective management involves staying updated with changing regulations, fostering clear communication among staff, and implementing robust quality control processes. Building a culture of continuous improvement and professional development also helps address these challenges proactively.

What is the difference between Laboratory Director vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectLaboratory DirectorLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD) and certificationUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planningManages daily operations within a specific lab
ResponsibilitiesSets policies, ensures compliance, manages budgetsSupervises staff, ensures quality control, handles workflow

The Laboratory Director holds a higher-level, strategic role overseeing entire laboratories or networks, often requiring advanced credentials. The Laboratory Supervisor focuses on daily operational management within a specific lab. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required qualifications.

More about Laboratory Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in California?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Director jobs in California?

For Laboratory Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Laboratory Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Laboratory Director job openings:

Laboratory Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,435 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Laboratory Director

Natera

San Carlos, CA

$128K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Natera rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 121 rated laboratories

Job description

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling

Position Summary

As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing related to cancer testing.  You ensure that testing is properly performed, and applicable regulatory standards are met.  You are responsible for ensuring that the laboratory implements testing while consistently providing accurate and reliable patient test results.  You are responsible for ensuring the test validation and development meets all required regulatory standards.  This position will be primarily responsible for technical and clinical performance of Natera's comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) assays.  Title and scope of responsibility will be commensurate with the candidate's experience.  This position is on-site at Natera's San Carlos, CA Laboratory.  

Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide clinical sign-out and interpretation for CGP reports, identifying actionable biomarkers and relevant clinical trials
  • Provide technical and clinical support for laboratory staff, genetic counselors, and other clinical personnel
  • Ensure acceptable levels of analytical performance for CGP assays, compliance with applicable standards, and laboratory inspection-readiness at all times 
  • Troubleshoot workflow and laboratory issues with clinical care and regulatory standards in mind
  • Document findings and maintain accurate records consistent with Natera policies and procedures

May serve as Clinical Consultant. A Clinical Consultant is responsible for ensuring:

  • Test reports include pertinent information for test interpretation, and
  • Availability for consultation concerning test results and the interpretation of those results as they relate to specific patient conditions

Qualifications

  • Education: MD/DO and/or PhD in genetics or related field required.
  • Board Certification: ABMGG board-certified in Clinical Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Genetics, ABP board-certified in Molecular Genetic Pathology, or equivalent doctoral-level board required.
  • Licensure: 
    • Current California laboratory director license as a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist or Clinical Cytogeneticist required. Candidates eligible for license may be considered. 
    • Current Certificate of Qualification in Genetic Testing from the NYS CLEP required. Candidates eligible for certification may be considered.
  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory setting analyzing, interpreting and reporting clinical genetic/genomic data.
  • Regulatory Expertise: Deep, working knowledge of CAP, CLIA, California, and New York state regulations.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated management experience in a high-throughput clinical laboratory environment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Solid understanding of Illumina sequencing platforms, liquid biopsy (ctDNA), and tissue-based CGP assays.
  • Strong familiarity with professional guidelines for somatic variant interpretation (e.g., AMP/ASCO/CAP tiering).
  • Understanding of statistical measures and bioinformatic concepts utilized in genetic testing, variant calling, and screening.
  • Extensive background in human genetics, medical genetics, and oncology.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • Duties typically performed in BSL-2 lab settings.
  • Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
  • Duties may require working various shifts and/or weekends.

Travel required for this position:
No   or Yes   :  If yes state anticipated percent for travel: up to 10%

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