Associate Director, Laboratory Operations

National Jewish Health•Denver, CO

7d•$11,978 - $156,026•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Operations Associate Director provides centralized leadership for laboratory operational execution and people management to ensure consistency, flexibility, and efficiency across laboratories. This role supports sustainable revenue growth by improving workforce utilization and operational readiness, while collaborating with the Laboratory Directors to support effective operation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, or related field required.
7–10 years of progressive laboratory leadership experience required.
Experience managing supervisors and large teams required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.
Experience in a complex healthcare or academic laboratory environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages and develops an effective supervisory team by providing leadership, guidance, and resources; determines supervisory competency; coaches, mentors, evaluates, and disciplines supervisors; establishes expectations for leadership accountability, staff engagement, and performance management.
Directs laboratory supervisors in managing daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, workflow, and productivity; ensures consistent operational practices across laboratory departments.
Partners with Scientific and Medical Laboratory Directors to translate clinical, scientific, business, and research priorities into effective operational execution; provides operational leadership to support laboratory supervisors with implementation of new testing, technologies, and service lines.
Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards, including CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and institutional policies; partners with quality and compliance teams to maintain readiness for inspections and audits.
Monitors laboratory performance metrics, including turnaround times, quality indicators, productivity, utilization, and workforce performance; recommends and implements operational improvements in partnership with Laboratory Directors to achieve laboratory performance and growth objectives.
Addresses operational challenges, including staffing shortages, workflow inefficiencies, and process breakdowns; implements corrective actions to ensure continuity of operations.
Leads workforce planning efforts, including recruitment, retention, and staffing optimization; collaborates with Human Resources to address employee relations issues, performance concerns, and organizational changes.
Provides operational leadership across a large, complex workforce with 50+ indirect reports by developing supervisors, strengthening leadership accountability, promoting staff engagement, and fostering a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Partners with the Executive Director and Laboratory Directors in strategic and operational planning, including forecasting staffing requirements, operational infrastructure, and resource needs necessary to support laboratory growth and service expansion.
Represents ADx in meetings with outside clients and other organizations as needed.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan
Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.