Biobanking CLIA Lab Director

Lighthouse Lab Services is seeking a Biobanking CLIA Lab Director on behalf of a leading academic medical research institution in the Denver metro area. This individual will provide strategic leadership for one of the nation’s premier biobank programs, overseeing large-scale biospecimen operations, driving innovation, and developing high-impact collaborations with academic, clinical, and industry partners.

The Director will ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA regulations, guide long-term infrastructure development, and position the organization as a national leader in biospecimen-based research and translational science. This role is ideal for a clinical or scientific leader with strong operational and business development skills who is passionate about advancing personalized medicine

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Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of biobank laboratory operations, including clinical return-of-results initiatives.
• Evaluate and manage potential partnerships, ensuring alignment with clinical workflows, research objectives, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop sustainable partnerships supporting innovation in biobanking and precision medicine.
• Lead long-term strategic planning for infrastructure, staffing, and program growth.
• Oversee CAP/CLIA compliance, including serving as sign-off authority for regulated clinical operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and the adoption of emerging technologies in biobanking.
• Manage financial considerations of partnership proposals and operational planning.
• Represent the biobank in governance structures for sample/data management and institutional collaborations.

Requirements

• MD/DO with Board Certification in Pathology or PhD in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science.
• At least 2 years of leadership or hands-on experience in a CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory.
• In-depth knowledge of CAP/CLIA regulations and experience in high-complexity lab environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and oversee complex projects.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across scientific, clinical, and business domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in genomics, biobanking, or related biomedical fields.
• Experience with business development, strategic planning, or innovation leadership.
• Background leading academic-industry collaborations involving biobanking or genomic research.
• Experience integrating biobank/genomic data with electronic health records (EHR).

Work Location & Schedule

• Denver, CO (Denver metro area).
• Hybrid schedule: 3 days/week on-site with flexibility for in-person meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

This institution offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• 220-250k depending on experience
• Relocation Assistance on a case by case basis
• Multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options.
• Disability and life insurance coverage.
• Employer retirement contributions.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays).
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
• Public transportation benefits for reduced-rate bus/light rail service.

About us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 18 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. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.

If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.

Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | lighthouselabservices.com

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