Explore Laboratory Director jobs for experienced professionals ready to lead laboratory operations, teams, and scientific programs. Laboratory Directors oversee the people, processes, and quality systems that help laboratories deliver accurate, reliable results. Browse vetted opportunities on Ladders, where listed professional jobs pay $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by organization and specialty, but commonly include setting operational priorities, managing budgets and staffing, maintaining quality and safety standards, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Directors may also guide testing or research programs, evaluate new technologies, review performance metrics, and collaborate with clinicians, researchers, executives, and external partners.
Laboratory Directors may lead clinical and diagnostic laboratories, hospital or health-system labs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical facilities, academic research centers, public health laboratories, or independent testing organizations. The scope of a role depends on the employer, the laboratory’s discipline, and the size and complexity of its operations.
Employers typically seek substantial laboratory experience, a relevant advanced degree or professional credentials, and a record of leading teams or complex operations. Some positions require specific licensure or certifications, particularly in clinical settings. Valuable skills include quality management, regulatory knowledge, budgeting, strategic planning, communication, and the ability to develop and support high-performing teams. Review each posting carefully for its precise requirements.
Use Ladders to explore vetted, high-paying professional opportunities and compare roles by specialty, location, and employer. Whether your background is in diagnostics, research, or laboratory operations, discover Laboratory Director positions that match your leadership experience and career goals.
Molecular Laboratory Supervisor
$80K - $100K *
Lead and empower a high-complexity molecular diagnostic lab, overseeing operations, staff training, and quality assurance to ensure timely, accurate testing services while driving innovation and compl...
Today
Laboratory Technical Coordinator
$80K - $95K *
Oversee clinical laboratory operations, ensuring quality and compliance while leading personnel and processes. Your expertise will enhance diagnostic functions and uphold standards in laboratory testi...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Champion exceptional veterinary care while fostering client relationships. Drive patient wellness through diverse case management, including surgery and urgent care, in a supportive environment that v...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing pharmaceutical analytical methods and standards. Drive complex studies, support regulatory compliance, and mentor scientific talent while championing method development an...
Reposted 6 days ago
$75K - $110K *
Collaborate with laboratory teams to design, develop, and maintain LIMS applications, ensuring compliance and optimal performance. Provide system support and solutions to enhance laboratory operations...
2 weeks ago
Senior Laboratory Operations Specialist
$88K - $105K *
Elevate your career by enhancing laboratory operations and information systems. Collaborate across teams to analyze data, define requirements, and drive continuous improvement to support efficient bus...
3 weeks ago
Laboratory Operations Manager (Pathology Experience) - Dermatology
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by overseeing lab operations, ensuring service excellence, compliance, and leading a skilled team. Drive innovation in procedures, manage budgets, and optimize processes to enhance...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of pharmaceutical analytics by leading a dynamic laboratory team. Drive quality, mentor talent, and manage client projects to ensure excellence in pre-commercial a...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer the efficient operation of a clinical laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulations and corporate policies. Oversee quality control, staff management, and strategic planning to enhance serv...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Director (Social Worker, LCSW)
$85K - $95K *
Shape the future of outpatient substance use treatment by blending hands-on clinical care with program leadership. Lead a dedicated team while establishing workflows and expanding community partnershi...
3 weeks ago
Manager of Inova Health System's Central Laboratory Services-Microbiology
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in optimizing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance and quality while fostering team development and engagement. Drive strategic initiatives and enhance productivity in a dynamic...
Reposted today
Assistant Director, Laboratory Operations Management
$210K - $243K *
Champion laboratory excellence by overseeing operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering team development. Drive quality assurance and implement innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and...
Reposted yesterday
Medical Director - Veterinarian
$180K - $200K *
Join as a clinical leader overseeing exceptional patient care while mentoring a collaborative veterinary team. Balance hands-on practice with leadership responsibilities to achieve high medical standa...
3 weeks ago
$165K - $195K *
Bring your expertise to lead the Immunology Department, ensuring assay performance and regulatory compliance while collaborating with R&D and clinical teams to drive innovation and improve patient car...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Laboratory Operations Manager, MLS Required, Evening Shift
$117K - $152K *
Drive operational excellence in clinical laboratory management, ensuring quality, compliance, and team development. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance processes, foster talent, and maintain acc...
Reposted 2 days ago
$95K - $105K *
Unlock your potential by overseeing lab operations, managing inventory, and ensuring safety protocols. Collaborate with research teams to enhance lab performance while leading a dedicated technician i...
2 days ago
Manager, Component & QC Laboratory
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing blood component manufacturing and QC labs, ensuring compliance with FDA and AABB standards. Oversee staff training, SOP development, and operational efficiency while drivin...
Yesterday
Laboratory Manager - Leadership Growth Opportunity
$89K - $104K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic Clinical Laboratory Services team. Drive quality, compliance, and operational excellence while mentoring skilled professionals in a supportive environment fo...
2 days ago
$150K - $245K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing transformative medicines through expertise in toxicologic pathology, overseeing studies, and contributing to innovative digital pathology advancements...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Services Manager Endoscopy
$85K - $100K *
Transform clinical operations by leading the Endoscopy team, ensuring high-quality patient care while efficiently managing resources, staff, and workflows. Engage with healthcare professionals to opti...
4 weeks ago
Executive Director of Research Admininistration
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of research administration by leading and empowering a dynamic team responsible for managing sponsored programs, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across departments to...
3 weeks ago
Principal Clinical Scientist (Neurodegenerative)
$120K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing clinical trial strategies for neurodegenerative diagnostics, ensuring regulatory compliance and collaboration across teams to achieve key milestones in the US and EU marke...
3 days ago
Principal Clinical Scientist (Neurodegenerative)
$120K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design and oversee clinical trial strategies for neurodegenerative diagnostics, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving key milestones across US and EU markets. Collaborate c...
3 days ago
Principal Clinical Scientist (Neurodegenerative)
$120K - $130K *
Drive innovative clinical trial strategies across US and EU for neurodegenerative diagnostics, ensuring regulatory compliance and collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve key milestones in...
3 days ago
Principal Clinical Scientist (Neurodegenerative)
$120K - $130K *
Drive innovative clinical trial strategies for neurodegenerative diagnostics, ensuring regulatory compliance and collaboration across teams. Shape the future of diagnostics by leading critical studies...
3 days ago
What does a Laboratory Director do?
A Laboratory Director oversees laboratory operations, personnel, budgets, quality systems, and safety. Depending on the setting, the role may also involve regulatory compliance, testing or research strategy, technology evaluation, and collaboration with clinical or business leaders.
What qualifications are required for Laboratory Director jobs?
Requirements vary by specialty and employer. Many roles call for extensive laboratory experience, leadership expertise, and a relevant advanced degree or professional credentials. Clinical positions may require particular licenses or certifications, so check each job posting for details.
Where can Laboratory Directors find work?
Laboratory Directors work in hospitals and health systems, diagnostic testing companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, universities, research institutions, public health agencies, and independent laboratories.
How much do Laboratory Director jobs pay?
Compensation depends on factors such as location, employer, laboratory specialty, scope of responsibility, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review individual listings for salary information.
What skills are important for a Laboratory Director?
Key skills often include team leadership, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, laboratory operations, budgeting, strategic planning, problem-solving, and clear communication.