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Laboratory Director Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician 2

Knoxville, TN

$18.25 - $24/hr

Vocational or Technical Certification in a related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct production within a technical environment or a scientific laboratory is preferred. An associate's degree or ...

Laboratory Technician 2

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Vocational or Technical Certification in a related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct production within a technical environment or a scientific laboratory is preferred. An associate's degree or ...

Founded in 1977 as a spinoff of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, AMS has nearly 50 years of experience developing innovative testing technologies and engineering ...

Laboratory Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Quality Control Lab Assistant | Laboratory Technician | cGMP Location: On-site -- Knoxville, TN, United States Duration: 6-Month Contract | Full-Time | 2nd Shift (Sunday-Thursday, 2:30pm-11:00pm ...

MPEX Project Director

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year ... As the MPEX Project Director, you will play a crucial role in overseeing all aspects of project ...

Showing results 21-40

Laboratory Director information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$43K

$120.5K

$177.8K

How much do laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory director in Oak Ridge, TN is $120,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,300.00 and $132,400.00 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 Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Director jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Director jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Laboratory Director jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Laboratory Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Director job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,544 per year, or $58 per hour.

Laboratory Supervisor Full Time (Monday-Friday 2:00pm-10:30pm)

East Tennessee Children's Hospital

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


East Tennessee Children's Hospital rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

682nd of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Responsible for all sections of the core laboratory (hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, general chemistry, and immunochemistry) and capable of performing tests, organizing workflow, and supervising personnel in those sections of the lab across all shifts (i.e. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd).
CONTACTS
Supervisory Responsibilities- YES
Number of Direct Reports- 20+
Number of Indirect Reports- NONE
Population Specific Competencies- NONE
Internal Contacts
Patients
Other: Family, Visitors
External Contacts- Patients
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education
Bachelors Required Degree healthcare related discipline
Bachelors Required Degree in Medical Technology from an accredited college acceptable to the State of Tennessee Division of Health Related Boards preferred.
Minimum Work Experience
6 years of direct medical laboratory experience is required
2 years of medical laboratory supervision is preferred
Required Licenses/Certifications for position
Valid license as a Medical Laboratory Supervisor from the State of Tennessee Division of Health Related Boards
National certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Medical Technologist
Certification as a Medical Technologist by the State of Tennessee Division of Health Related Boards
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of advanced medical laboratory work in all applicable Core Laboratory sections (i.e, General Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis).
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices as they relate to the core laboratory, its personnel, and its functions, including establishing and meeting departmental goals, staff scheduling, payroll, employee engagement and growth, evaluation of staff performance, and disciplinary actions.
Skill in prioritizing and coordinating section activities in relationship to department functions.
Skill in both verbal and written communication.
Is able to multitask, handle stress appropriately, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Works well with others and consistently displays a courteous, professional attitude in all situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Medium lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 20-50 lbs occasionally, 10-20 lbs frequently and 10 lbs constantly to move objects. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure to lifting or moving of up to 100 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, sitting, squatting, reaching and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

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