Lighthouse Lab Services has partnered with a premier CRO near Van Nuys, CA. Our client runs complex, custom research studies for biotech and major diagnostics manufacturers. They help sponsors execute studies that don’t fit neatly into standard CRO or clinical lab models — and that means our CLIA-certified laboratory must be as adaptable, rigorous, and fast as their science demands.
What we are Looking for:
We are looking for a Lab Operations Director. This isn’t a behind-the-glass compliance position. It’s for a leader who thrives at the intersection of execution and strategy—part builder, part operator, and 100% accountable for delivering in a fast-paced CLIA lab environment. You’ll be both hands-on and forward-thinking: overseeing day-to-day operations while scaling infrastructure to support increasingly complex diagnostic studies.
What we are Offering:
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
You Will
Lead CLIA laboratory operations across multiple active protocols, owning daily execution, staff oversight, sample flow, timelines, and documentation.
Partner closely with Clinical PMs to align lab capacity with study timelines and forecast operational needs.
Direct and mentor lab staff, creating accountability, supporting training, and fostering a culture of quality and agility.
Design and refine systems for inventory, sample chain-of-custody, throughput, and documentation—creating new processes where needed.
Coordinate vendor relationships for kit components, supplies, and logistics to unblock execution.
Maintain regulatory excellence ( CLIA, CAP, GCP ), ensuring the lab remains audit-ready while staying nimble.
Continuously improve SOPs, workflows, and infrastructure to support current studies and scale to future demand.
Who Thrives in This Role
You’re a CLIA lab leader who builds trust through action. You’re just as comfortable writing SOPs as you are explaining throughput to executives or coaching a new technician through a tricky protocol. You thrive in high-change, low-bureaucracy environments and know how to prioritize when everything’s urgent.
You enjoy:
Owning performance end to end, from delivery to documentation
Building and scaling workflows that withstand pressure
Coaching lab staff while holding high standards
Translating ambiguity into action plans
Requirements
7–10 years in clinical lab operations —ideally in a CRO, diagnostics, or regulated IVD environment with strong CLIA lab experience
California Clinical Lab Scientist License, CLS
Proven ability to lead and grow lab teams in high-throughput or sponsor-driven settings
Deep working knowledge of CLIA regulations along with CAP, GCP, and inspection readiness
Excellent communicator who can bridge lab staff, PMs, QA, and executive teams
Process-oriented and tech-comfortable (LIMS, ELN, or equivalent systems)
Experience with assay launches, protocol onboarding, and/or diagnostic development is a big plus
The Reality
Small team. Big responsibility. High autonomy. Huge impact.
This isn’t for everyone — but if you want to build something meaningful at exactly the moment it’s scaling, this may be the most rewarding role you’ll ever take.
This role is based on-site at our CLIA-certified laboratory in Van Nuys, CA . (We’ll help with relocation or transitional stays.)
About Us:
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 20 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Lighthouse Lab Services | 800-838-0602 | lighthouselabservices.com
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