Clinical Lab Director

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

5d•$130,000 - $209,817

About The Position

The Director, Medical Laboratories provides strategic and operational leadership for laboratory departments serving UVA Health’s complex academic health system. As one of four Administrative Directors reporting to the Associate Chief of Medical Labs, the Director shares oversight of clinical laboratory operations and serves on the Medical Laboratories leadership team. The role works closely with pathologists, faculty, operational leaders, information technology partners, vendors, and community hospital leadership to deliver efficient, high-quality laboratory and pathology services aligned with clinical needs. The Director translates organizational priorities into laboratory strategies and operating plans, oversees quality and financial performance, supports workforce engagement and leadership development, and addresses barriers to service delivery. The role also advances technology, automation, interoperability, data-informed decision-making, service integration, and system-wide operational improvement. The position is based in an academic health environment where clinical care, education, discovery, and operational innovation come together to improve outcomes for patients and communities. The position is primarily sedentary and involves extensive desktop computer use. It occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs. The annual pay range is $130,000.00–$209,817.00, with individual compensation determined by qualifications, experience, and/or education. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with completion of a NAACLS-approved MLS, CLS, HTL, or equivalent program.
At least five years of progressively responsible management and leadership experience in a complex healthcare environment.
MLS, CLS, or categorical certification, or CT, HTL, PA, ASCP, or equivalent certification is required.
May require a valid Virginia Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business or a related field.
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

Translate organizational priorities into clear laboratory strategies, operating plans, and measurable results.
Promote a culture in which team members feel supported, informed, accountable, and connected to the laboratory’s clinical mission.
Build and sustain high-performing leadership teams through workforce planning, coaching, succession planning, and professional development.
Oversee complex laboratory operations, focusing on capacity, workflow, access, turnaround times, continuity, and service.
Partner with clinical leaders and faculty to standardize best practices and align laboratory services with patient care needs.
Lead quality improvement, patient safety, regulatory readiness, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements.
Direct financial performance, resource utilization, capital planning, productivity, and business cases for technology or service expansion.
Advance innovation, automation, interoperability, and data-informed decision-making across laboratory operations.
Partner with Laboratory Information Systems, information technology teams, and vendors to ensure systems support clinical and operational performance.
Guide organizational change by communicating a clear vision, building stakeholder alignment, and helping teams adopt new practices.
Support integration of laboratory services and collaborate with community hospital leadership to strengthen pathology and interlaboratory service delivery.
Represent Medical Laboratories in executive, system-wide, and community settings.