Sample Processing Team Lead

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.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:

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 escalate 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.