Director, Medical Laboratories: Innovation & Ops Leader

UVA Health; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Disability coverage

HSA/FSA available

Education support

Job summary

UVA Health seeks a Director of Medical Laboratories to provide strategic and operational leadership for laboratory services within a complex academic health system. You will collaborate with pathologists, faculty, IT partners, and hospital leadership to deliver efficient, high-quality lab and pathology services.

The role combines visible leadership with disciplined oversight—reviewing performance, driving automation, evaluating investments, and advancing system-wide initiatives to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with NAACLS-approved MLS/CLS/HTL or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible management and leadership in a complex healthcare environment.
• MLS/CLS or categorical certification, or CT, HTL, PA, ASCP or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in business or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate organizational priorities into clear laboratory strategies, operating plans, and measurable results.
• Promote a culture of support, accountability, and alignment with the laboratory’s clinical mission.
• Build and sustain high-performing leadership teams through workforce planning and development.
• Oversee complex laboratory operations focusing on capacity, workflow, turnaround times, and service.
• Partner with clinical leaders to standardize best practices and align services with patient care needs.
• Lead quality improvement, patient safety, regulatory readiness, and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree with MLS/CLS/HTL (NAACLS-approved)

Master’s Degree in Business or related field (preferred)

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Job description

UVA Health seeks a Director of Medical Laboratories to provide strategic and operational leadership for laboratory services within a complex academic health system. You will collaborate with pathologists, faculty, IT partners, and hospital leadership to deliver efficient, high-quality lab and pathology services.

The role combines visible leadership with disciplined oversight—reviewing performance, driving automation, evaluating investments, and advancing system-wide initiatives to support