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Reference Lab Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Restek

Reference Standards Packager - Temporary

Bellefonte, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Reference Standards Packager Our Reference Standards team produces high-purity certified materials ... Manufacturing, packaging, or lab experience (preferred) * Attention to detail * Ability to follow ...

Carevet

Certified Veterinary Technician

Norristown, PA · On-site

Prepares specimens to be sent to reference lab according to practice requirements. * Schedules and/or performs routine maintenance of testing equipment. * Maintains cleanliness of exam room at all ...

CareVet

Certified Veterinary Technician

Norristown, PA

$24 - $28/hr

Prepares specimens to be sent to reference lab according to practice requirements.* * Schedules and/or performs routine maintenance of testing equipment.* * Maintains cleanliness of exam room at all ...

American Family Care

Medical Assistant

Warrington, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

American Family Care

Medical Assistant

Newtown, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

American Family Care

Medical Assistant

Souderton, PA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

American Family Care

Medical Assistant/LPN

Souderton, PA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

WVU Medicine

Phlebotomist

Uniontown, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Performs additional computer tasks required for outreach specimen processing, reference lab test order processing, and statistical data entry using a variety of other computer programs. Submits ...

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Reference Lab information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$9

$25

$45

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Pennsylvania is $25.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $27.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is a Reference Lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What does a reference laboratory do?

A reference laboratory performs specialized testing and analysis on biological samples to confirm diagnoses, support patient care, and ensure test accuracy. These labs often handle complex or high-volume tests and require skilled technicians and quality control procedures.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In a reference laboratory, the highest paid roles are often senior pathologists or laboratory directors, who typically hold medical degrees and board certifications. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance, with salaries frequently exceeding six figures annually.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest-paying careers are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the healthcare and laboratory fields, senior roles such as laboratory directors, chief medical officers, or specialized pathologists can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and often certification or licensing, with salaries influenced by location, employer size, and responsibilities.
What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Pennsylvania? For Reference Lab jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Pennsylvania are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Microbiology Lab Director

Microbiology Lab Director

Lighthouse Lab Services

Danville, PA • On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Microbiology Laboratory Director

Location: Danville, Pennsylvania
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite
Salary Range: $180,000 – $230,000 + Full Benefits

Position Overview

A hospital-based clinical laboratory in Danville, PA is seeking a Microbiology Laboratory Director to provide scientific, operational, and regulatory leadership for a high-complexity microbiology laboratory. This role is responsible for overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, guiding test development and validation, and supporting clinical teams with microbiology expertise.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a commitment to quality and regulatory compliance, and experience managing microbiology testing in a clinical laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Oversight

  • Provide medical and scientific direction for all microbiology laboratory operations

  • Oversee daily laboratory activities to ensure quality, accuracy, and efficiency

  • Support and mentor laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technical staff

  • Collaborate with hospital leadership and clinical teams on laboratory strategy and patient care initiatives

Regulatory Compliance & Quality

  • Ensure laboratory compliance with CLIA, CAP, and applicable regulatory requirements

  • Maintain and oversee quality management programs, including proficiency testing and quality assurance initiatives

  • Review and approve validation and verification studies for new assays and instrumentation

  • Participate in regulatory inspections and implement corrective actions when necessary

Test Development & Technical Expertise

  • Provide guidance for microbiology test development, validation, and implementation

  • Evaluate new technologies, platforms, and workflows to enhance laboratory services

  • Review and approve standard operating procedures and technical documentation

Clinical & Operational Collaboration

  • Serve as a subject matter expert for microbiology testing and infectious disease diagnostics

  • Partner with infectious disease physicians, pharmacy, and infection prevention teams

  • Support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and clinical decision-making

Qualifications

Education

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Clinical Microbiology, or a related field

Experience

  • 2–5 years of clinical microbiology laboratory experience in a high-complexity setting

  • Experience in hospital or health system laboratories preferred

  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience is highly desirable

Certifications (Preferred)

  • ABMM (American Board of Medical Microbiology) or eligibility preferred

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong knowledge of clinical microbiology methodologies and instrumentation

  • Familiarity with regulatory standards including CLIA and CAP

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with clinical and administrative stakeholders

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $180,000 – $230,000 annually

  • Comprehensive benefits package including:

    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

    • Retirement plan with employer contribution

    • Paid time off and holidays

    • Continuing education support

About us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 21 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.
If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.
Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | https://www.lighthouselabservices.com/

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