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What is a director of laboratory operations and how to become one
A laboratory plays a vital role in our society both for testing of new drugs and for identifying and treatment of diseases. Being a director of laboratory operations will give you a chance to become a critical part of ensuring that a laboratory can accomplish its mission. In this position, you would be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing an organization's laboratory operations and performance.
You'll be expected to ensure that quality services are provided for all aspects of test performance. You'd also need to maintain quality control and quality assurance programs, establish operations standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and complete on-time delivery. Overseeing the hiring and training of competent lab personnel would also be a major part of your job
In order to be successful in this role, you need to be able to foster a highly accountable environment of professionalism, positivity, and respect. If you're interested in becoming a director of laboratory operations, you'll typically need a Bachelor's degree in business, healthcare, or similar field. Many employers also require previous experience working in a laboratory environment.
Avg. Salary $86,167
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%
Asian 6.39%
Black or African American 6.21%
Hispanic or Latino 15.29%
Unknown 4.34%
White 67.29%
Genderfemale 34.83%
male 65.17%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Key steps to become a director of laboratory operations
Explore director of laboratory operations education requirements
Start to develop specific director of laboratory operations skills
Skills Percentages Lab Operations 11.17% Chemistry 7.60% Laboratory Services 7.14% Continuous Improvement 6.22% Oversight 6.04% Complete relevant director of laboratory operations training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New directors of laboratory operations learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a director of laboratory operations based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real director of laboratory operations resumes.Research director of laboratory operations duties and responsibilities
- Set up forensic DNA laboratory, train laboratory technicians in advance molecular techniques, and manage day-to-day activities of forensic DNA laboratory
- Communicate with FDA as necessary with respect to these supplements.
- Perform laboratory tests on specimens, including hematology, manual differentials, chemistry, coagulation and urinalysis.
- Supervise district laboratory operations for CLIA certification
Prepare your director of laboratory operations resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your director of laboratory operations resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a director of laboratory operations resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable director of laboratory operations resume templates
Build a professional director of laboratory operations resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your director of laboratory operations resume.
Apply for director of laboratory operations jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a director of laboratory operations job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first director of laboratory operations job
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Average director of laboratory operations salary
The average director of laboratory operations salary in the United States is $86,167 per year or $41 per hour. Director of laboratory operations salaries range between $49,000 and $148,000 per year.
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How do directors of laboratory operations rate their job?
Director of laboratory operations reviews
Keeping my lab in compliance with the local and state laws and communicating with the health care personals.
I like everything
Updated January 8, 2025
