Sample Processing Team Lead

Precisionmedicinegroup; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 35,431 - 53,189; Full time

Job summary

Precision Medicine Group is seeking a Processing Team Lead to provide technical leadership and coordinate daily operations in the sample processing laboratory. This role ensures accurate handling, documentation, cryopreservation, and storage of specimens to meet project requirements.

You will train staff, prioritize workflows, and offer technical guidance, serving as an operational resource in the Supervisor’s absence and driving continuous improvement across the lab.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision.
• Must possess basic laboratory skills and be trained in aseptic technique.
• Comfortable with Excel and its functions.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills; team oriented.
• Flexible, agile team player able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a cold freezer environment.
• Must read, write, and speak English fluently.

Responsibilities

• Receive and accession incoming biological samples into sample management systems.
• Perform complex sample processing procedures and cell isolations.
• Conduct cryopreservation and thawing of cells.
• Monitor preventive maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment and manage inventories.
• Review and update SOPs; participate in quality investigations and corrective actions.
• Train laboratory personnel and conduct competency assessments; provide technical guidance.

Skills

Independent decision making

Aseptic technique

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

Team player

Excel proficiency

Education

Associate’s degree (Biology, Chemistry or Life Sciences)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Processing Team Lead provides technical leadership and daily operational coordination within the sample processing laboratory while performing complex biological sample processing activities. This role ensures the accurate handling, processing, documentation, cryopreservation, and storage of biological specimens in compliance with quality and study requirements. The Processing Team Lead supports laboratory personnel through training, competency assessments, workflow prioritization, and technical guidance, while also assisting with quality investigations, data reviews, and process improvements. Working with a high degree of independence, this position helps maintain efficient laboratory operations, supports implementation of new procedures, and serves as an operational resource in the absence of the Supervisor.

Sample Processing & Laboratory Operations

• Receive and accession incoming biological samples into sample management systems.
• Update required fields and perform electronic batch record verifications during processing.
• Independently perform complex sample processing procedures.
• Perform cell isolations and separation of blood and body fluid components.
• Conduct cryopreservation and thawing of cells.
• Inventory cryopreserved specimens into final storage locations.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents.

Equipment & Laboratory Maintenance

• Monitor preventive maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment.
• Assist with equipment maintenance activities as required.
• Monitor laboratory supply inventories and order supplies as needed.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Follow and assist with the creation and review of controlled documents and SOPs.
• Review and implement new or study-specific operating procedures.
• Perform sample data reviews and investigate data discrepancies.
• Investigate missing specimens using laboratory systems and supporting documentation.
• Conduct spot checks of laboratory activities to ensure QMS compliance.
• Lead or assist with quality event investigations and corrective actions.
• Coordinate discrepancy resolutions, including data reviews, relabeling, and sample verification activities.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate real-time documentation within laboratory systems.
• Analyze laboratory reports to identify potential data errors.
• Investigate, review, and resolve discrepancies with project collaborators.
• Monitor sample turnaround times and escape risks to laboratory management

Leadership, Training & Technical Support

• Train laboratory personnel on procedures and protocols.
• Upon approval as an assessor, conduct competency assessments of laboratory staff.
• Serve as a technical resource for laboratory personnel.
• Assign daily workload based on staffing, priorities, and efficiency requirements.
• Provide operational guidance and support during supervisor absences.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Apply scientific and technical expertise to solve routine and complex laboratory problems.
• Exercise independent judgment within established procedures.
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and processes and provide recommendations to management.
• Collaborate with laboratory management and project teams to improve operations and quality.

Supervisory Support

• Assist in managing employee and operational issues in the absence of the Supervisor.
• Support performance management and day-to-day workforce coordination as needed.

Qualifications:

Minimum Required:

• Associate’s degree (Biology, Chemistry or Life Sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 4 years relevant laboratory experience

Other Required:

• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision and guidance.
• Must possess basic laboratory skills and be trained in aseptic technique.
• Comfortability with excel and its functions.
• Requires excellent attention to detail, excellent documentation skills, and must work well in a group environment.
• Must be a flexible agile team player who can change activities and directions quickly and respond to a variety of assignments and changing business needs.
• Ability to lift and carry between 31-50 lbs.; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance; frequently required to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods; occasionally required to squat, bend, stoop, push, kneel, reach and perform tasks with repetitive motion; Will be exposed to a cold freezer environment (Freezer temperatures range between -20ºC -196ºC).
• Must be able to read, write, speak fluently and comprehend the English language.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree (Biology, Chemistry or Life Sciences)
• Prior experience with BSI.
• Prior leadership experience.
• Prior experience with automated sample isolation
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Precision is required by law in some states or cities to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

Reasonable estimate of the current range

$25.72 — $38.61 USD

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Precision Medicine Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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