Senior Supervisor, Sample Management - Clinical Ops

KCR Placement; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ICON is seeking a Supervisor, Sample Management in Portland, OR to lead day-to-day operations of the Sample Management team, ensuring receipt, tracking, storage and distribution of biological samples for clinical research. This hands-on leadership role combines people management with process improvements, quality, and regulatory compliance to support fast-paced, highly regulated environments.

You will mentor staff, optimize workflows, and collaborate across functions to deliver accurate results

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience in laboratory operations, healthcare, sample management, engineering, manufacturing, analytical, technical, or other highly regulated environments.
• Strong technical aptitude with experience working in or supporting LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems).
• Experience with ICOLIMS, WindowPath, or similar laboratory systems is preferred.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees while maintaining performance expectations and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
• Ability to thrive in a detail-oriented environment involving repetitive processes and complex workflows.
• Experience managing chain-of-custody documentation, inventory controls, sample tracking, or related operational processes is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, technical, healthcare, business, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Supervising the daily flow of specimens, including package receipt, unpacking, scanning, accessioning, labeling, validation, storage, and shipment activities.
• Leading and supporting a team of Sample Management professionals by providing coaching, training, guidance, and day-to-day operational oversight.
• Serving as a technical resource for staff, assisting with troubleshooting and resolving workflow challenges involving laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and sample tracking processes.
• Overseeing sample receipt and storage activities, ensuring appropriate freezer placement based on study-specific temperature requirements and maintaining accurate chain-of-custody documentation.
• Managing sample inventory and storage records within laboratory management systems, including ICOLIMS and other LIMS platforms.
• Coordinating the preparation and shipment of client samples to clients, third-party laboratories, and internal testing facilities while ensuring regulatory and quality requirements are met.
• Supporting laboratory operations by facilitating specimen movement and communication across functional teams.
• Monitoring departmental performance metrics and preparing reports to support operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Overseeing departmental equipment and freezer management, including maintenance, monitoring, and related purchasing activities.
• Reviewing and coding invoices in accordance with departmental and company procedures.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and enhance the overall client experience.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, company procedures, quality standards, and client expectations.
• Performing additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Laboratory operations

LIMS

ICOLIMS/WindowPath

Coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Education

Bachelor's degree in scientific/technical/healthcare field

Tools

ICOLIMS

WindowPath

Job description

ICON is seeking a Supervisor, Sample Management in Portland, OR to lead day-to-day operations of the Sample Management team, ensuring receipt, tracking, storage and distribution of biological samples for clinical research. This hands-on leadership role combines people management with process improvements, quality, and regulatory compliance to support fast-paced, highly regulated environments.

You will mentor staff, optimize workflows, and collaborate across functions to deliver accurate results