Abstract: The director selection system of National laboratories in American research universities is studied in this paper. The results demonstrate that:the selection process of the director is similar with that of the president of university, and both are recommended by the screening committee and elected by the search committee;the award situation, sex and education background of the candidate are the three key factors in the selection process;the term of office is not fixed, and the three main types of demission reasons are expiration of contract, position alteration and instant event respectively.