Prep Department Group Leader - Laboratory

Prep Department Group Leader

As a Prep Department Group Leader in our Wilmington, NC lab, PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation is a results-driven, technically grounded leadership role responsible for directing the daily operations of the sample preparation group in a high-throughput environmental laboratory. This position calls for an individual who combines strong analytical capability with an approachable leadership style, someone who sets clear expectations, coaches their team to meet them, and trusts people to deliver.

The compensation range for this role is $65,000 to $85,000, in addition to an annual bonus, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Schedule: Monday - Friday

To thrive in this role, you'll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

Leadership & Operations

• Lead the PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation group, setting clear performance standards and coaching the team to deliver consistent, high-quality output that meets client and regulatory requirements
• Direct day-to-day sample preparation operations by planning workflows, setting priorities, and making confident scheduling decisions while keeping the team informed and aligned
• Act as a working leader who performs sample preparation as needed, using those moments to model best practices and develop staff skills through real-time guidance
• Manage staffing responsibilities including hiring, training, and performance evaluation
• Build a culture of ownership where team members understand what's expected, have the support they need, and take responsibility for their results
• Invest in people's growth while holding them accountable to clearly defined expectations
• Follow through consistently on priorities and commitments, ensuring the team stays on track

Sample Preparation & Technical Oversight

• Manage and execute PFAS and dioxin sample preparation processes in accordance with applicable EPA and regulatory methods
• Ensure proper preparation of air, water, soil, and other environmental matrices with consistent attention to protocol adherence
• Troubleshoot preparation issues, non-routine samples, and process deviations by applying deep technical expertise and coaching others through problem-solving when appropriate
• Prepare and review standards, reagents, and spiking solutions with careful attention to accuracy
• Maintain well-organized, accurate sample preparation records and documentation

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Uphold strict adherence to Onterris' Quality Assurance Program, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, treating compliance as a shared responsibility across the team
• Investigate and resolve non-conformance events and corrective actions thoroughly, identifying root causes and working with the team to prevent recurrence
• Author, review, and update sample preparation SOPs, ensuring documentation is precise, current, and practical for day-to-day use
• Lead audit preparation and participate directly in internal, client, and regulatory audits with a solid command of relevant data and processes
• Stay current on emerging regulatory requirements and methodologies through proactive monitoring of industry developments

Planning, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate project scheduling and communicate clearly with project management, QA, and analytical teams—providing straightforward, timely updates focused on deliverables
• Maintain open, responsive communication with internal and external clients, balancing directness with professionalism
• Monitor workload, staffing capacity, and efficiency metrics to proactively manage turnaround times and surface bottlenecks early
• Champion and drive process improvement projects that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and throughput—encouraging the team to contribute ideas and take calculated risks on better approaches
• Ensure uninterrupted availability of consumables, supplies, and critical sample preparation components through forward-looking planning

Health & Safety

• Ensure staff comply with Onterris' Health and Safety Plan and all applicable safety procedures
• Promote safe laboratory practices and proper chemical handling, addressing concerns promptly and constructively
• Investigate safety incidents and drive corrective actions to resolution
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical or Laboratory Director

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related scientific field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of laboratory experience; graduate-level research experience considered
• Minimum 2 years of prior supervisory experience in a production laboratory environment, with a demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams
• Strong working knowledge of organic extractions; PFAS, D/F, PCB, and PAH sample prep experience is a plus
• Solid understanding of the physical and chemical principles underlying published sample preparation methods
• Demonstrated ability to organize workflows, manage competing priorities, and allocate personnel effectively
• Experience handling non-routine samples and managing high-volume preparation schedules
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with Workday preferred
• Experience in LIMS

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in ISO 17025 or NELAP-accredited laboratories
• Familiarity with LIMS and electronic chain-of-custody workflows
• Participation in method development, validation, or regulatory working groups
• Demonstrated success in driving process improvement or lean laboratory initiatives

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what's typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

• Sitting, standing, and walking
• Lifting 50 pounds several times a day
• Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds
• Works in an office environment
• May be exposed to hot and cold environments
• May occasionally work shifts up to 12 hours in duration

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.