Supervisor, Sample Preparation

North American Science Associates, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 133,700; Full time

Job summary

NAMSA is seeking a supervisor for the sample preparation department in Minneapolis. The role covers planning, staffing, and ongoing operations, with responsibilities spanning training, supervision, and process improvement across laboratory workflows.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, at least 5 years of lab experience, and a minimum of 1 year in a leadership role, with strong organizational and regulatory-compliance skills.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Requires 5 years of related laboratory experience and at least 1 year in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage the sample preparation department, including staffing and space needs.
• Coordinate department activities based on client study designs and timelines.
• Supervise staff: training, scheduling, performance, discipline, hiring and termination.
• Train technicians in sample preparation, formulation, extraction, documentation, and safety.
• Act as technical lead for sample preparation, including medical device prep and protocol generation.
• Maintain records and inventory; coordinate with purchasing; manage budget and expenditures.
• Review deviation metrics and assist with corrective actions.
• Update and develop departmental SOPs to reflect policies and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the planning, organizing, and ongoing operations of the sample preparation department, including supply, staff and space needs.
• Coordinates department activities based on client study designs and expected completion timelines.
• Directly supervises the sample preparation staff, including training, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding, disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems; participates in hiring and termination processes.
• Trains technicians in sample preparation, formulation, and extraction of prepared samples in support of in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assays, pharmacology and toxicology procedures; also trains technicians in general laboratory procedures, study article receipt, proper documentation, daily department processes, maintenance duties, and safety precautions; coordinates training schedule and maintains employee training records.
• Acts as technical lead for sample preparation activities, including medical device preparation, test specifications, raw materials, and protocol generation; may advise clients on routine technical issues.
• Maintains accurate records and inventories related to department supplies and equipment and coordinates with purchasing to ensure adequate inventory and supply levels; controls expenses by submitting budget information and scheduling expenditures.
• Maintains deviation and other appropriate departmental metrics; reviews and assists technicians with corrective actions and other deviation-related documentation.
• Reviews, updates, and develops departmental SOPs and other technical documents to reflect current policies and practices and to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Technical Competencies

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Requires 5 years of related laboratory experience and at least 1 year in a leadership role.

Working Conditions

Physical demands include regular sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, occasional standing and walking, and extensive use of a computer keyboard. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation

The compensation grade range for this position is $68,800.00 - $133,700.00 annually. Individual base pay depends on factors including primary work location, job complexity, responsibilities, and relevant experience and skills.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NAMSA is an equal employment opportunity company. NAMSA participates in pre‑employment background and drug screening processes aligned to local, state and federal laws.