System Director of Laboratory Services

DCCS, on behalf of Penn Highlands Healthcare, is seeking an accomplished laboratory executive to lead one of the most significant laboratory transformation initiatives in the region.

As
System Director of Laboratory Services
, you will lead the strategic integration of laboratory operations across a
nine-hospital health system
, creating a unified service line that advances quality, regulatory excellence, operational performance, and patient care.

The System Laboratory Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer and the System Chief Medical Officer.

What You’ll Lead

You will provide strategic and operational leadership for laboratory services throughout Penn Highlands Healthcare by:

• Strategic leadership for laboratory operations across nine hospitals
• Developing and implementing a system-wide laboratory strategy
• Leading standardization of laboratory operations across all facilities
• Ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, TJC, Pennsylvania DOH, and regulatory requirements
• Improving quality, turnaround times, and operational efficiency
• Standardizing instrumentation, methodologies, and laboratory policies
• Implementing laboratory automation, auto-verification, and digital pathology initiatives
• Partnering with physicians, pathologists, and executive leadership
• Developing laboratory leaders and strengthening succession planning
• Leading financial planning, capital investments, and resource optimization
• Building governance structures that improve communication, accountability, and performance

Ideal Candidate

We’re seeking a collaborative leader who enjoys building systems, developing people, and leading meaningful organizational change.

Successful candidates will bring experience in:

• Multi-hospital laboratory operations
• Laboratory service line leadership
• CAP accreditation
• CLIA regulatory compliance
• Laboratory quality management
• Operational standardization
• Process improvement
• Laboratory automation
• Change management
• Executive leadership communication
• Financial and operational management
• Auto-verification implementation

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related scientific discipline
• ASCP, MLS, MT or equivalent certification
• CLIA, CAP and TJC inspection experience
• Multi-site or health system laboratory management
• Experience leading regulatory readiness initiatives

Experience

• Five or more years of progressive hospital laboratory leadership
• Demonstrated success leading operational improvement

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA, MHA, or related field)
• Experience with laboratory automation
• Auto-verification implementation
• Cerner Laboratory Information System experience

Success in Your First 18 Months

You will help establish:

• One integrated laboratory service line
• Standardized laboratory operations across the health system
• Improved regulatory readiness
• Enhanced laboratory quality programs
• Strong laboratory governance
• Modern laboratory technology strategies
• Improved customer service and operational accountability
• A sustainable leadership structure supporting long‑term growth

Why Penn Highlands Healthcare

Joining Penn Highlands means joining a growing health system committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence.

The Community

• Nestled among the scenic rolling hills of north-central Pennsylvania, DuBois offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.
• Conveniently located within driving distance of several major metropolitan areas, DuBois is approximately two hours from Pittsburgh, three hours from Cleveland, and four‑and‑a‑half hours from both Washington, D.C., and New York City, providing easy access to world‑class dining, entertainment, professional sports, and cultural attractions.
• Surrounded by the…