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Laboratory Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Regional Laboratory Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

As a Regional Laboratory Director at MercyOne, you will: * Be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and * overseeing laboratory services across the MercyOne Regional ...

Regional Laboratory Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

As a Regional Laboratory Director at MercyOne, you will: * Be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and * overseeing laboratory services across the MercyOne Regional ...

Regional Laboratory Director

Des Moines, IA

$103K - $135K/yr

As a Regional Laboratory Director at MercyOne, you will: * Be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and * overseeing laboratory services across the MercyOne Regional ...

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$91.98 - $124.17/hr

About the Position A hospital in Ottumwa, IA is seeking a senior-level Director of Laboratory to provide leadership and oversight for its laboratory operations. This is an on-site, in-person role at ...

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

A hospital in Ottumwa, IA is seeking a senior-level Director of Laboratory to provide leadership and oversight for its laboratory operations. This is an on-site, in-person role at a medical facility ...

Director - Lab

Shenandoah, IA · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

1. Direct all aspects of department operations effectively and efficiently. * Oversee the day-to ... Set and achieve department goals and objectives. 2. Monitor laboratory testing and equipment to ...

New

Director - Lab

Shenandoah, IA · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

1. Direct all aspects of department operations effectively and efficiently. * Oversee the day-to ... Set and achieve department goals and objectives. 2. Monitor laboratory testing and equipment to ...

New

Director - Lab

Shenandoah, IA

$104K - $137K/yr

1. Direct all aspects of department operations effectively and efficiently. * Oversee the day-to ... Set and achieve department goals and objectives. 2. Monitor laboratory testing and equipment to ...

New

JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the Laboratory Director, the Microbiology Supervisor has technical oversight and responsibility of all analytical data/reports generated by the laboratory, which includes raw ...

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Showing results 1-20

Laboratory Director information

See Iowa salary details

$42.3K

$118.4K

$174.7K

How much do laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory director in Iowa is $118,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,600.00 and $130,100.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Laboratory Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Laboratory Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,428 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Regional Laboratory Director

Trinity Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Type:Full timeShift:Day ShiftDescription:MercyOne Central Iowa operates four not-for-profit, Catholic medical centers in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Newton and Centerville and two specialty hospitals - MercyOne Children's Hospital in Des Moines and MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital in Clive (965 beds total) - along with more than 20 additional facilities that house more than 50 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, MercyOne Central Iowa has the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and is also one of the largest employers in the state, with more than 7,000 employees and a medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians and allied health associates. MercyOne Central Iowa is a member of MercyOne, which was founded in 1998 through a collaboration between CommonSpirit Health and Trinity Health - two of the country's foremost, not-for-profit Catholic health organizations. MercyOne has more than 20,000 colleagues in Iowa and surrounding states.
MercyOne alsoprovides you with thequalitycare you provideto others. We care about our employees well-being and offer benefits that complement work/life balance.

Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Regional Laboratory Director!

As a Regional Laboratory Director at MercyOne, you will:

  • Be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and
  • overseeing laboratory services across the MercyOne Regional Health Ministry
  • Provide strategicand operational leadership to ensure high-quality, integrated, efficient, and compliant laboratory operations
  • Advance service line excellence through the development and execution of regional and local strategicplans
  • Oversee quality, performance, resource utilization, budget management, and regulatorycompliance
  • Work collaboratively with system, medical, and operational leaders, the Regional
  • Laboratory Director drives achievement of organizational objectives, optimizes resources
  • Promoteservice excellence across MercyOne laboratory services

Schedule:

  • 40 hrs a week

General Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree in laboratory related discipline required. MBA/MHA or PhD inlaboratory science or related fields preferred.
  • Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) by the American MedicalTechnologists (AMT) or as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society for ClinicalPathology (ASCP)
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience leading strategic and business planning preferablywithin an integrated healthcare system in a competitive environment.
  • Previous medical laboratoryexperience with demonstrated success in quality/safety metrics, patient satisfaction, cost, businessdevelopment, and service line strategy.
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Ability to develop and implement a shared vision for laboratory services
  • Knowledge and application of performance improvement initiatives
  • Knowledge of laboratory legislative and regulatory requirements
  • Proven leadership skills in relationship to motivating and empowering staff
  • Must have the ability to set direction and lead with minimal direction from others; translate andcommunicate the organization's strategic plan into tactical and measurable service line goals.
  • Preferred experience working in an organization of comparable size and complexity, preferably inhealthcare.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.


What Trinity Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US