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Laboratory Director Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

As a Laboratory Technician I , you'll play a hands-on role in producing high-quality tissue products used by researchers across the country. If you're detail-oriented, thrive in a structured lab ...

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Laboratory Director information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$44.6K

$125K

$184.3K

How much do laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory director in Springfield, IL is $124,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $137,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Director jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Director jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Laboratory Director jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Laboratory Director job openings:
Quality Assurance Manager (Senior Public Service Administrator, Opt.4)

Quality Assurance Manager (Senior Public Service Administrator, Opt.4)

State of Illinois

Springfield, IL • Hybrid

$9.1K - $11K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


State Of Illinois rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 56926
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: 07/06/2026
Agency: Department of Public Health
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) 

Office: Disease Control

Division: Laboratories

Posting ID: 85-26-0382 / 56926
Posted: 06/18/2026 - 07/06/2026

Skill Option: Physical Sciences/Environment

Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary Range $9,174 - $11,174 per month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment, Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to be responsible for the design, implementation and monitoring of systems designed to ensure the highest quality of testing performance in all laboratories of the Division. Assures that laboratory personnel and testing procedures they conduct adhere to generally accepted good laboratory practices (GLP) as defined by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), or the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). Responsibilities include the coordination of documentation, auditing functions, monitoring of laboratory activities and application of corrective action to ensure compliance with GLP. Serves as full line supervisor.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

  • Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
  • Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
  • Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan
  • Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
  • 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
  • 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
  • 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
  • 13-14 paid holidays per year
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

*These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions
  • Working with the Laboratory Director, establishes, implements, maintains and documents internal quality assurance policies and procedures which meet the requirement of the Illinois Clinical Laboratory Act, USEPA and FDA.
  • Serves as full-line supervisor.
  • Directs all quality improvement activities within the Division of Laboratories.
  • Directs Division training programs to meet training goals established by the Division Chief.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably withing the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, with courses in microbiology, chemistry, medical technology or related field from a recognized college or university.
  • Requires four (4) years of administrative experience in a public health laboratory or equivalent organization.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Four years' experience working with regulatory requirements governing laboratory quality assurance.
  • Extensive knowledge of laboratory rules and regulations.
  • Four (4) years' experience establishing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures.
  • Four (4) years' experience with quality improvement activities.
  • Four (4) years' experience with implementation of test systems.
  • Four (4) years' experience with development of curriculum and training programs.
  • Four (4) experience supervising employees, including experience in hiring, discipline, performance improvement, and performance evaluations.
Conditions of Employment
  • Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
  • This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Headquarter Location: 825 N Rutledge St, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: DPH.HRRecruiter@Illinois.gov
Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Revolving Door:


Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.

Term Appointment:


Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Public Health's discretion.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com


What State Of Illinois employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

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