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Laboratory Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Assurance Laboratory Lead The Quality Assurance Laboratory Lead is responsible for ensuring that food safety and quality standards are maintained. This role involves overseeing the product ...

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Laboratory Lead information

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$38.5K

$85.3K

$134.5K

How much do laboratory lead jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory lead in the United States is $85,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory lead?

Laboratory Leads are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a laboratory. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, coordinating experiments or testing, managing inventory, and maintaining quality standards. Laboratory Leads often act as a bridge between laboratory technicians and upper management, helping to implement policies and troubleshoot problems. Their role is vital for maintaining the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of laboratory processes.

How does a laboratory lead typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth project execution?

A Laboratory Lead plays a key role in coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance, research and development, and production. They often facilitate communication by organizing regular meetings, sharing test results, and addressing any technical issues that arise. This collaboration ensures that projects stay on schedule, meet regulatory standards, and align with organizational goals. Effective communication skills and the ability to translate complex laboratory data for non-technical stakeholders are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Lead, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, quality control, and team management, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and certifications such as ASCP or equivalent are commonly required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring workflow efficiency. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining high standards of accuracy, safety, and productivity in laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Laboratory Lead vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectLaboratory LeadLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science field; certifications may be preferredUsually requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are advantageous
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, overseeing daily lab activitiesLaboratory setting, managing staff and operations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in research, clinical, and industrial labsCommon in clinical, research, and manufacturing labs

The Laboratory Lead and Laboratory Supervisor roles both operate within laboratory environments, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The Laboratory Lead typically focuses on guiding scientific or technical work, while the Laboratory Supervisor emphasizes managing staff and operational processes. Both positions are integral to lab functions but differ mainly in scope and focus.

What cities are hiring for Laboratory Lead jobs?

Cities with the most Laboratory Lead job openings:

What states have the most Laboratory Lead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Laboratory Lead jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Lead jobs?

For Laboratory Lead jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,306 per year, or $41 per hour.

Technical Laboratory Lead

Libertyville, IL • On-site

Advocate Aurora Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

$35.50 - $53.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 782 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department:

60491 IL ACL Laboratories - Condell: Technical

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

Laboratory Lead with an emphasis in automated Chemistry. Off bench time as schedule allows. Every other weekend and holidays. Eight hour shifts with start time at 530 or 600 depending on bench assignment.

Pay Range:

$35.50 - $53.25

Major Responsibilities:

  • Acts as a resource and role model to employees, which includes training/orienting and providing day-to-day work direction. Provides general direction and technical assistance to Technical Specialists, Medical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Phlebotomists, and support staff.
  • Assigns, monitors, and reviews progress and accuracy of work, monitors productivity, maintains appropriate staffing levels, directs efforts and provides guidance on more complex issues.
  • Assists with human resource responsibilities, which may include interviewing and selection of new employees, staff development, resolution of employee concerns, and employee morale.
  • Assists in interpreting department policies and procedures, and advises and updates staff on procedural changes. Assists in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes Participates in policy/procedure review process
  • Assists with preparation and monitoring of operating and capital budgets.
  • Performs all duties of the technical and/or support staff. Serves as staff resource regarding technical and/or administrative policies and procedures.
  • Documents all appropriate information for quality assurance/improvement according to established protocol. Utilizes laboratory information systems appropriately.
  • Assists in the development of education and training protocols; instructs staff as assigned.
  • Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
  • Supports change efforts within the organization and contributes to their successful implementation. Maintains constructive and effective communication to enhance department performance.
  • Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

Medical Technologist (MT/MLS) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or other accrediting agency OR

Histotechnologist (HTL), MB (ASCP) OR

Technologist in Molecular Biology CG(ASCP)

Education Required:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or
  • Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology or related field.

Experience Required:

  • Typically requires 2 years of experience in a laboratory related position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include alternate site assignment.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality in and out of the workplace.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include alternate site assignment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to sit, stand and walk for the majority of the workday.
  • lMay be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and/or infectious agents.
  • Will be exposed to human blood and body fluids.
  • lMust wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.l
  • Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
  • lMay require travel, therefore may be exposed to inclement weather and adverse road conditions.
  • Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

Our CommitmenttoYou:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training

  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job

  • Incentive pay for select positions

  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

  • Paid Time Off programs

  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, andShort- and Long-Term Disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.


About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.


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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US