Prep Department Group Leader - Laboratory

3M HEALTHCARE; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris in Wilmington, NC is seeking a Prep Department Group Leader to direct PFAS & Dioxin sample preparation in a high-throughput environmental lab.

You will coach a team, plan workflows, and ensure adherence to EPA methods and QA programs while leading process improvements and audits.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of laboratory experience; graduate-level research considered.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a production laboratory environment.
• Experience with PFAS, D/F, PCB, and PAH sample preparation is a plus.
• Strong ability to organize workflows and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation group, setting performance standards.
• Direct day-to-day sample preparation operations and scheduling decisions.
• Act as a working leader performing sample prep to model best practices.
• Manage staffing including hiring, training, and evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance Program, SOPs and regulations.
• Lead audits and stay updated on regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate project scheduling with QA and analytical teams; communicate progress.
• Drive process improvement and ensure availability of supplies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Scheduling

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

LIMS

Workday

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

About UsAt Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose,responsibilityand real-world impact.“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected,interwovenand international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams,consultantsand professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.When you join us,you’renot just forging acareer,you’rejoining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smartersolutionsand lasting impact.Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

As a Prep Department Group Leader in our Wilmington, NC lab, PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation is a results-driven, technically grounded leadership role responsible for directing the daily operations of the sample preparation group in a high-throughput environmental laboratory.

This position calls for an individual who combines strong analytical capability with an approachable leadership style, someone who sets clear expectations, coaches their team to meet them, and trusts people to deliver.

The compensation range for this role is $65,000 to $85,000, in addition to an annual bonus, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Schedule: Monday - Friday

Leadership & Operations

• Lead the PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation group, setting clear performance standards and coaching the team to deliver consistent, high-quality output that meets client and regulatory requirements
• Direct day-to-day sample preparation operations by planning workflows, setting priorities, and making confident scheduling decisions while keeping the team informed and aligned
• Act as a working leader who performs sample preparation as needed, using those moments to model best practices and develop staff skills through real-time guidance
• Manage staffing responsibilities including hiring, training, and performance evaluation
• Build a culture of ownership where team members understand what’s expected, have the support they need, and take responsibility for their results
• Invest in people’s growth while holding them accountable to clearly defined expectations
• Follow through consistently on priorities and commitments, ensuring the team stays on track

Sample Preparation & Technical Oversight

• Manage and execute PFAS and dioxin sample preparation processes in accordance with applicable EPA and regulatory methods
• Ensure proper preparation of air, water, soil, and other environmental matrices with consistent attention to protocol adherence
• Troubleshoot preparation issues, non-routine samples, and process deviations by applying deep technical expertise and coaching others through problem-solving when appropriate
• Prepare and review standards, reagents, and spiking solutions with careful attention to accuracy
• Maintain well-organized, accurate sample preparation records and documentation

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Uphold strict adherence to Onterris’ Quality Assurance Program, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, treating compliance as a shared responsibility across the team
• Investigate and resolve non-conformance events and corrective actions thoroughly, identifying root causes and working with the team to prevent recurrence
• Author, review, and update sample preparation SOPs, ensuring documentation is precise, current, and practical for day-to-day use
• Lead audit preparation and participate directly in internal, client, and regulatory audits with a solid command of relevant data and processes
• Stay current on emerging regulatory requirements and methodologies through proactive monitoring of industry developments

Planning, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate project scheduling and communicate clearly with project management, QA, and analytical teams—providing straightforward, timely updates focused on deliverables
• Maintain open, responsive communication with internal and external clients, balancing directness with professionalism
• Monitor workload, staffing capacity, and efficiency metrics to proactively manage turnaround times and surface bottlenecks early
• Champion and drive process improvement projects that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and throughput—encouraging the team to contribute ideas and take calculated risks on better approaches
• Ensure uninterrupted availability of consumables, supplies, and critical sample preparation components through forward-looking planning

Health & Safety

• Ensure staff comply with Onterris’ Health and Safety Plan and all applicable safety procedures
• Promote safe laboratory practices and proper chemical handling, addressing concerns promptly and constructively
• Investigate safety incidents and drive corrective actions to resolution
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical or Laboratory Director

Your Expertise and Skills

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of laboratory experience; graduate-level research experience considered
• Minimum 2 years of prior supervisory experience in a production laboratory environment, with a demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams
• Strong working knowledge of organic extractions; PFAS, D/F, PCB, and PAH sample prep experience is a plus
• Solid understanding of the physical and chemical principles underlying published sample preparation methods
• Demonstrated ability to organize workflows, manage competing priorities, and allocate personnel effectively
• Experience handling non-routine samples and managing high-volume preparation schedules
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with Workday preferred
• Experience in LIMS

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in ISO 17025 or NELAP-accredited laboratories
• Familiarity with LIMS and electronic chain-of-custody workflows
• Participation in method development, validation, or regulatory working groups
• Demonstrated success in driving process improvement or lean laboratory initiatives

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and walking
• Lifting 50 pounds several times a day
• Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds
• Works in an office environment
• May be exposed to hot and cold environments
• May occasionally work shifts up to 12 hours in duration

#LI-SG1 #INDONT

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success.

We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants.

For more information, visit www.onterris.com.