Team Lead- Sample Preparation
Zoetis
June 30, 2026
On-site
Kalamazoo, MI
Operations
Role Description
The Team Lead - Sample Preparation role is an exempt leadership role responsible for coordinating sample receipt and sample plating. Ensure timely and accurate execution of sample receipt and sample plating in compliance with SOPs and applicable standards and regulations. Manage the lab schedule and support activities. Recruit, hire, train, and develop Lab Assistants, Associates, and Senior Associates. Monitor lab performance and metrics and initiate investigations of non-conformances to support continuous improvement. May coordinate validation of new assays, systems, and instruments.
Responsibilities
- Routinely monitor laboratory procedures to ensure activities follow current SOPs.
- Coordinate and execute scan on receipt and plating procedures.
- Provide daily direction to employees; ensure timely data entry into LIMS.
- Maintain laboratory supply inventory; anticipate needs and place orders or notify personnel.
- Support staff training per current SOPs and ensure employees have required resources.
- Author and revise SOPs as needed.
- Evaluate processes and suggest improvements for area operation and efficiency.
- Conduct process investigations and troubleshooting as assigned.
- Contribute to continuous improvement.
- Troubleshoot anomalous test results with QA/QC guidance; assist investigations of questionable/out-of-spec data.
- Use KPIs and metrics to identify and report negative lab performance trends.
- Prepare or assist with CAPA reports.
- Lead special projects under Technical or Lab Manager guidance.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Molecular Genetics, or science-related field (required).
- Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience (required); Genetics experience preferred.
Technical Skills Requirements
- Ability to read, write, understand, and follow SOPs.
- Familiarity with safety and operational procedures.
- Excellent oral/written communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong team orientation and work ethic; collaborate with diverse personalities.
- Critical thinking and decision-making.
- Familiarity with LEAN processing.
- Detail-oriented and accurate.
- Comfortable in a rapidly changing environment.
- Self-motivated; can work independently and as a constructive team member.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and LIMS applications.
Physical Position Requirements
- On-site position.
- Lifting, sitting, walking.
The Team Lead - Sample Preparation role is an exempt leadership role responsible for coordinating sample receipt and sample plating. Ensure timely and accurate execution of sample receipt and sample plating in compliance with SOPs and applicable standards and regulations. Manage the lab schedule and support activities. Recruit, hire, train, and develop Lab Assistants, Associates, and Senior Associates. Monitor lab performance and metrics and initiate investigations of non-conformances to support continuous improvement. May coordinate validation of new assays, systems, and instruments.
Responsibilities
- Routinely monitor laboratory procedures to ensure activities follow current SOPs.
- Coordinate and execute scan on receipt and plating procedures.
- Provide daily direction to employees; ensure timely data entry into LIMS.
- Maintain laboratory supply inventory; anticipate needs and place orders or notify personnel.
- Support staff training per current SOPs and ensure employees have required resources.
- Author and revise SOPs as needed.
- Evaluate processes and suggest improvements for area operation and efficiency.
- Conduct process investigations and troubleshooting as assigned.
- Contribute to continuous improvement.
- Troubleshoot anomalous test results with QA/QC guidance; assist investigations of questionable/out-of-spec data.
- Use KPIs and metrics to identify and report negative lab performance trends.
- Prepare or assist with CAPA reports.
- Lead special projects under Technical or Lab Manager guidance.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Molecular Genetics, or science-related field (required).
- Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience (required); Genetics experience preferred.
Technical Skills Requirements
- Ability to read, write, understand, and follow SOPs.
- Familiarity with safety and operational procedures.
- Excellent oral/written communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong team orientation and work ethic; collaborate with diverse personalities.
- Critical thinking and decision-making.
- Familiarity with LEAN processing.
- Detail-oriented and accurate.
- Comfortable in a rapidly changing environment.
- Self-motivated; can work independently and as a constructive team member.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and LIMS applications.
Physical Position Requirements
- On-site position.
- Lifting, sitting, walking.