Group Leader, Sample Receiving

McKinney Specialty Labs; Virginia; On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

McKinney Specialty Labs, located in Richmond, Virginia, seeks a detail-oriented Group Leader for Sample Receiving. You will oversee daily operations, lead a team, and ensure accurate processing of laboratory samples in a compliant environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, maintenance of chain-of-custody, and collaboration with QA and client engagement to improve workflows and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in sample receiving or lab operations.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Knowledge of sample handling, chain-of-custody, and laboratory quality standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate workflows and provide effective team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Sample Receiving operations, including staffing and scheduling.
• Train, mentor, and supervise team members.
• Oversee sample receipt, labeling, accessioning, storage, and distribution.
• Ensure accurate chain-of-custody and data entry into LIMS.
• Identify and resolve operational challenges.
• Maintain SOPs and support process improvements.
• Ensure QA program compliance and safety procedures.
• Support occasional weekend or split-shift operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Team mentoring

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry/ Biology/ Environmental Science

Tools

LIMS

Quality standards knowledge

Job description

About McKinney Specialty Labs

McKinney Specialty Labs is an innovative scientific organization that draws upon decades of extensive expertise in testing nicotine and other aerosolized products. We employ subject matter experts with extensive scientific knowledge, utilize robust and validated analytical methods, and offer testing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

About McKinney Specialty Labs

McKinney Specialty Labs is an innovative scientific organization that draws upon decades of extensive expertise in testing nicotine and other aerosolized products. We employ subject matter experts with extensive scientific knowledge, utilize robust and validated analytical methods, and offer testing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Our mission is to deliver best-in-class product testing and global regulatory science solutions to our clients through our experience, people and technology. We accomplish this by offering our clients the highest quality testing services in a state-of-the-art facility, all conducted according to our Values: Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, and Respect.

We are a new and growing company located in Richmond, Virginia. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental, vision and 401 (k).

Position Summary

McKinney Specialty Labs is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Group Leader, Sample Receiving to oversee daily sample receiving operations and lead a team responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of laboratory samples. This hands‑on leadership role ensures operational efficiency, sample integrity, and adherence to quality and safety standards while supporting employee development and collaboration across laboratory departments.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and execute daily Sample Receiving operations, including staffing, workflow, scheduling, and operational priorities.
• Supervise, train, and mentor team members, promoting accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee and perform sample receipt, inspection, labeling, accessioning, documentation, storage, and distribution to laboratory departments.
• Ensure accurate chain-of-custody documentation, sample tracking, and data entry into laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Identify and resolve sample discrepancies, processing delays, and other operational challenges.
• Collaborate with laboratory teams, Quality Assurance, and Client Engagement to ensure timely communication and efficient sample processing.
• Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), address nonconformance issues, and support process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with McKinney Specialty Labs' Quality Assurance Program, safety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform hands‑on sample receiving duties as needed and support occasional split‑shift or weekend operations.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement of departmental processes and workflows.
• Support process improvements and the transition to new information management systems and platforms.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sample receiving, laboratory operations, sample management, or a related environment.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• Knowledge of sample handling, chain-of-custody procedures, sample tracking, and laboratory quality standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate workflows, manage competing priorities, and provide effective team leadership.

Preferred Skills

• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 standards and laboratory quality management systems.
• Strong conflict resolution, coaching, and continuous improvement skills.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified.

We believe in transparent compensation practices. The expected salary range for this position is $52,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year. Starting pay will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the requirements of the role.

McKinney Specialty Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. McKinney Specialty Labs does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices based on race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, non‑job‑related disability, or status as a veteran.