Team Lead- Sample Preparation

Role Description

The Team Lead - Sample Preparation role is an exempt leadership role in Precision Animal Health responsible for the coordination of sample receipt and sample plating. The Team Lead will ensure timely and accurate execution of sample receipt and sample plating in compliance with SOPs and applicable standards and regulations. They will be responsible for managing the schedule of activities in the lab and ensuring appropriate support for those activities. Additionally, they will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing Lab Assistants, Associates and Senior Associates for the various functions performed in the lab. Finally, they will be responsible for monitoring overall lab performance and metrics and initiating investigations of non-conformances in support of continuous improvement. The Team Lead may also be required to coordinate the validation of new assays, systems, and instruments.

Routine Activities

Routinely monitor laboratory procedures to ensure that all activities are performed according to the current versions of the SOPs.

Coordination and Execution

• Coordinate and execute lab activities related to sample receipt and plating procedures.
• Provide daily direction and communication to employees to schedule work to ensure its completion and data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in a timely, efficient and knowledgeable manner.

Laboratory Support

• Maintain laboratory supply inventory by monitoring stock to determine inventory levels, anticipate needed supplies, and place orders or notify appropriate personnel.
• Support staff training according to current SOPs as needed, ensure employees have appropriate training and other resources to perform their jobs.

SOP Development and Evaluation

• Author and revise SOPs as needed.
• Conduct continual evaluation of processes and procedures, responsible for suggesting methods to improve area operation and efficiency.

Process Investigations and Troubleshooting

• Conduct process investigations and troubleshooting as assigned.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the continuous improvement process.
• Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to identify and report negative trends in lab performance.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of Corrective Action/Preventative Action (CAPA) reports.
• Independently lead special projects under the guidance of the Technical or Lab Manager that are important to area/process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Molecular Genetics or science-related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience required; Genetics experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• 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.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and expert decision making.
• Familiarity with LEAN processing.
• Comfortable in a rapidly changing environment.
• Self-motivated; ability to work independently and work as constructive team member.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and LIMS applications.

Physical Position

• On-site Position.
• Lifting.
• Sitting.
• Walking.

About Zoetis

Zoetis is a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health. We discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.