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Laboratory Director information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$40.2K

$112.8K

$166.4K

How much do laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory director in Decatur, AL is $112,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Director jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Director jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Laboratory Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Laboratory Director job openings:
Laboratory Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Director job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,767 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Laboratory Manager - Boston Area

Laboratory Manager - Boston Area

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)

Whitehead, AL

$155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 hours ago

Job description

Primary Work Address: 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

We are always open to finding self-motivated and highly organized Lab Manager candidates for potential opportunities within our labs in the greater Boston area.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You will be contacted by a member of our Recruitment team if your skills and experience appear to be a match for an open role.

The Lab Manager role is responsible for supervising and performing technical and administrative tasks on a day-to-day basis in support of the lab's research and operational needs. This role oversees equipment maintenance, ensures adequate supplies for experimental needs, assists the Investigator in personnel management, manages lab safety programs to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, assists in laboratory space and facilities planning, makes recommendations for changes, maintains inventory of laboratory furniture and equipment, and serves as the liaison to both HHMI and host institution administrative offices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage day-to-day activities within the research laboratory, including such activities as ensuring operation of essential equipment, making sure adequate supplies are available for routine experimental procedures, reviewing budgets, etc.

  • Act as liaison between lab and HHMI and host institution administrative offices on issues such as budget management, fixed asset inventories, purchasing, use of host accounts, etc.

  • Act as liaison between lab and host safety and regulatory offices to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

  • Develop laboratory guidelines; maintain procedures manuals; and/or evaluate new materials and equipment.

  • Train incoming personnel in proper lab conduct. May train others in technical areas and complex processes.

  • May carry out research project.

  • May evaluate new techniques and technology.

  • May plan for and provide working supervision to the work of Research Technicians or other junior laboratory personnel.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in health or physical sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience. Advanced degree is a plus.

Experience:

  • Three or more years of laboratory experience including at least one year of supervisory experience.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Operational knowledge of advanced lab equipment.

  • Ability to supervise others.

  • Ability to initiate and compose communications for various purposes in an appropriate style.

  • In-depth understanding of organizational structure both within and outside the work unit, including the role of each position in the group and in other groups.

  • Ability to develop instructional material for routine training purposes.

  • Ability to review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals. Often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HHMI is flexible to hire either a Laboratory Manager I or a Laboratory Manager II.

Laboratory Manager I - $78,320 (minimum) - $97,900 (midpoint) - $127,270 (maximum)

Laboratory Manager II -$95,920 (minimum) -$119,9000 (midpoint) - $155,870 (maximum)


Pay Type: Annual


HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant market data. HHMI considers a candidates' education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new Laboratory Manager is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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