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# VP of Laboratory Operations – Diagnostics Company – Boston, MA


 
VP of Laboratory Operations – Diagnostics Company – Boston, MA
Are you an operations leader with deep expertise in diagnostic laboratory management? We are seeking a Vice President of Laboratory Operations to oversee and elevate the performance of a rapidly growing diagnostics company in Boston, MA. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead complex lab operations, optimize workflows, and drive innovation in a fast-evolving healthcare environment. If you excel at leading cross-functional teams, scaling operational capacity, and ensuring world-class quality standards, this role is designed for you.
Lead High-Impact Diagnostic Laboratory Operations in Boston
A leading diagnostics organization in Boston, MA is searching for a Vice President of Laboratory Operations to guide its operational strategy and oversee end-to-end lab performance. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in clinical laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, process optimization, and team leadership. If you’re passionate about advancing diagnostic capabilities, improving turnaround times, and ensuring operational excellence in a high-complexity lab setting, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care and organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of Laboratory Operations – Diagnostics Company
Operational Leadership & Laboratory Management
Oversee all day-to-day diagnostic laboratory operations to ensure seamless workflow, high productivity, and operational excellence. Implement best-in-class practices, streamline processes, and maximize efficiency across testing platforms, equipment utilization, and sample processing.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full compliance with CLIA, CAP, FDA, and state regulatory standards. Develop and maintain rigorous quality assurance programs, uphold testing accuracy, and ensure adherence to all laboratory safety, documentation, and internal audit requirements.
Workflow Optimization & Process Improvement
Evaluate current operational systems and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance turnaround times (TAT), throughput, and scalability. Introduce automation, digital systems, and data-driven strategies to support high-volume diagnostics operations.
Team Leadership & Workforce Development
Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory managers, supervisors, technologists, and support staff. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and scientific excellence. Ensure adequate staffing, training, certifications, and performance evaluations to build a high-performing laboratory team.
Strategic Operational Planning
Support organizational growth by developing laboratory expansion plans, capacity scaling strategies, and resource allocation frameworks. Collaborate with executive leadership to align operational strategy with company goals and future diagnostic service needs.
Technology, Equipment & Infrastructure Oversight
Oversee procurement, validation, maintenance, and optimization of laboratory instruments and workflow systems. Evaluate new technologies, automation tools, LIMS/SaaS platforms, and diagnostic methodologies to ensure operational efficiency and scientific advancement.
Budgeting & Financial Oversight
Manage operational budgets, cost control, vendor contracts, and equipment investments. Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality, regulatory compliance, and testing integrity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Compliance, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to support new test launches, validate assays, ensure operational readiness, and maintain smooth coordination across departments.
Risk Management & Safety Protocols
Enforce laboratory safety standards, biosafety policies, and risk mitigation procedures. Address operational risks proactively and ensure readiness for inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
What the Client Is Looking for in You
The client seeks a distinguished laboratory operations leader with deep experience managing high-complexity diagnostic labs. You should be a strategic, hands-on operator who excels at optimizing workflows, ensuring regulatory compliance, and scaling laboratory infrastructure to support rapid organizational growth.
Proven Leadership in Diagnostic Laboratory Operations
The ideal candidate has extensive experience running CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratories, overseeing high-throughput testing environments, and managing multidisciplinary technical teams. You should have a strong track record in operational optimization, capacity scaling, and implementing efficient laboratory systems.
Strategic Thinker with an Eye for Innovation
You must demonstrate the ability to develop long-term operational strategies that enhance testing accuracy, reduce turnaround times, and expand laboratory capabilities. The client values forward-thinking leaders who can leverage automation, digital tools, and emerging technologies to stay ahead in the diagnostics industry.
Strong Regulatory & Quality Expertise
A deep understanding of CLIA, CAP, FDA, HIPAA, and other compliance requirements is essential. You should be able to design and enforce robust quality management systems, oversee internal audits, and ensure inspection readiness at all times.
Operational Excellence & Analytical Skills
The client is looking for someone who can identify inefficiencies, implement process improvements, and optimize resource use. Strong analytical, data-driven decision-making skills are crucial — especially in high-volume diagnostic settings.
Ability to Lead, Inspire & Develop High-Performing Teams
You should excel at building cohesive teams, mentoring laboratory leaders, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and scientific rigor. Experience guiding staff through change, growth, and continuous improvement initiatives is highly valued.
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Communication
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential. The client seeks someone capable of collaborating seamlessly with R&D, Quality, Compliance, Commercial, and Executive teams to support new programs and operational goals.
Commitment to Quality, Safety & Patient Impact
Above all, the client values leaders who prioritize patient outcomes through accuracy, reliability, and operational excellence. You should bring a deep commitment to maintaining quality standards and supporting diagnostic advancements that improve patient care.
FAQs About the Role – VP of Laboratory Operations – Diagnostics Company
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Laboratory Operations?
You will oversee all diagnostic lab operations, including workflow management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and team leadership. You will be responsible for optimizing processes, ensuring accurate and timely testing, managing budgets, evaluating new technologies, and leading the laboratory through growth and scaling initiatives. Additionally, you will maintain operational readiness for inspections and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic priorities.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate has significant experience managing CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratories, preferably in senior operational leadership roles. You should have deep knowledge of regulatory standards, quality systems, high-throughput operations, and laboratory automation. Experience in scaling lab operations, implementing LIMS systems, and managing large technical teams is highly desirable. A bachelor’s or advanced degree in clinical laboratory science, biology, or a related field is required; an MBA or advanced leadership degree is a plus.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
Strong decision-making skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams are essential. You should possess excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, along with a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. The ability to collaborate across departments and maintain regulatory readiness is also critical.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You may encounter challenges such as high test volumes, rapid scaling needs, evolving regulatory expectations, supply chain constraints, and the adoption of new technologies. Maintaining testing accuracy, reducing turnaround times, and ensuring seamless cross-functional coordination are also ongoing priorities. The role requires adaptability and a proactive approach to operational problem-solving.
5. What is the expected impact of the VP of Laboratory Operations on the company’s growth?
You will play a key role in expanding the laboratory’s capacity, improving efficiency, and driving innovation in diagnostic services. Your leadership will directly influence quality, turnaround times, customer satisfaction, and operational scalability — all of which contribute significantly to organizational growth and market competitiveness.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on scientific excellence, continuous improvement, and patient impact. They value leaders who support teamwork, transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to quality. You will have an opportunity to shape the operational culture and contribute to the organization’s long-term success.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of Laboratory Operations for a leading diagnostics company in Boston, MA, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package that reflects the seniority, expertise, and operational leadership this role requires. The remuneration is designed to attract accomplished laboratory executives with a strong background in clinical diagnostics, regulatory compliance, and high-volume laboratory management.
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of Laboratory Operations in the diagnostics and clinical laboratory sector typically varies based on lab size, test volume, regulatory complexity, and company growth stage. In the Boston market—one of the nation’s most competitive healthcare and biotech hubs—annual base salaries generally range from $180,000 to $260,000, with larger or rapidly scaling diagnostics companies offering even higher compensation.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most compensation packages for VP-level laboratory leaders include annual performance bonuses tied to metrics such as turnaround time improvements, operational efficiency, quality scores, regulatory compliance, assay scalability, and revenue growth. Bonus structures typically range from 20% to 40% of the base salary, depending on both individual and company performance outcomes.
3. Equity & Long-Term Incentives
Diagnostics companies, especially those in growth or innovation phases, often provide equity-based compensation—such as stock options, RSUs, or performance share units. These incentives promote long-term commitment and align the VP’s contributions with organizational success. Equity grants can represent a meaningful portion of the total compensation package, particularly in venture-backed or publicly traded companies.
4. Executive Benefits & Perks
VP-level executives often receive a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with employer matching
Executive health and wellness programs
Paid time off, holidays, and professional development budgets
Technology, equipment, or home office allowances
Commuter benefits or travel support for multi-site operations

Companies may also offer leadership training, certification reimbursements, and conference attendance for continuing education.
5. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support
For high-caliber candidates relocating to Boston or transitioning from major laboratory networks, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance. These incentives typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on candidate experience and company needs.
Total Compensation Potential
When combining base salary, performance bonuses, equity, and benefits, total annual compensation for a VP of Laboratory Operations can range from $220,000 to over $350,000, with top-tier diagnostic organizations offering even more competitive packages.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished laboratory operations leader with a strong background in diagnostics, regulatory compliance, and high-throughput lab management, we invite you to apply for the VP of Laboratory Operations role in Boston, MA. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead a cutting-edge diagnostics organization, optimize laboratory performance, and advance the company’s mission of delivering accurate, timely, and innovative diagnostic solutions.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in laboratory operations leadership, process optimization, compliance management, team development, and strategic planning. Highlight your success in improving turnaround times, scaling lab capacity, implementing automation, and maintaining excellence in quality and regulatory readiness.
This role offers a transformational career opportunity where you will shape lab operations, lead high-performing teams, and contribute directly to enhancing patient care and diagnostics innovation. Apply today to take the next step in your executive laboratory leadership career as the VP of Laboratory Operations in Boston, MA!
For more information or to explore similar leadership roles, visit our Molecular Technologist Executive Search Firm Page.
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VP of Laboratory Operations | Laboratory Operations Leadership | Diagnostics Executive Jobs | CLIA Laboratory Management | Clinical Laboratory Leadership | Regulatory Compliance | High-Complexity Lab Operations | Laboratory Workflow Optimization | Boston Diagnostics Jobs | Healthcare Operations Executive Roles