Sample Receipt and Preparation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

True North, LLC is looking for a motivated and skilled Sample Receipt and Preperation Technician to join our growing organization!

Come and work for an organization that is a key player helping to shape the OCM testing industry.

The ideal candidate must be located in Minnesota within a reasonable distance from Roseville, MN and will perform routine and non-routine intake, testing and disposal on botanicals, extracts, food, beverages, and other materials as deemed appropriate by management using validated methods. Ensures data integrity and on-time, audit-ready results per ISO/IEC 17025 and Minnesota OCM/CTA requirements. Supports method verification/validation, instrument qualification, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and accurately log samples with complete CoC and LIMS records; meet turnaround targets for staging batches.
• Deliver correctly prepared, traceable samples/aliquots that meet method/SOP acceptance criteria.
• Maintain storage integrity (time/temperature/conditions) and prevent cross-contamination/mix-ups.
• Keep receipt and preparation equipment and areas fit-for-use with documented checks/cleaning.
• Provide complete, audit-ready documentation; support audits/inspections.

Key Duties:

• Verify shipment and condition (labels, seals, temperature, physical state).
• Reconcile to manifest and document discrepancies, seal breaks, and any custody gaps on the CoC.
• Create intake records in LIMS and establish chain-of-custody, assign/apply unique sample IDs/labels (incl. aliquots); and maintain sample identity/status at all times (received, in-prep, on-hold, disposed).
• Coordinate rush/priority queues with analysts/PMs and stage batches per schedule.
• Select representative portions; homogenize (grind/blend/stir) as needed and clean/verify tools between samples.
• Perform basic prep: balance/pipette checks, serial dilutions, extractions/cleanups, filtrations/centrifugation, simple acid/base digestions; track reagent/solvent lots and expiry.
• Conduct aseptic transfers and dilutions; set up enrichments; prepare/label aliquots.
• Place items into controlled ambient/refrigerated/frozen storage, monitor and document excursions, initiate holds and notify leads/QA when needed.
• Complete receipt/prep forms, weigh sheets, dilution records, and equipment logs, attach records in LIMS with audit trail and correct errors per the data-correction SOP.
• Identify and flag damaged/compromised/out -of-criteria shipments or samples, open deviations and assist with investigation.
• Segregate chemical/biological waste, neutralize or autoclave where required, document disposal, and decontaminate surfaces/equipment between batches.
• Maintain tidy workspaces and follow EHS, chemical/biological hygiene, and PPE requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Authorized to:

• Accept, hold, or reject samples at receipt based on acceptance criteria (labeling, condition, temperature, volume, CoC).
• Place work/sample on hold and notify leads/QA for quality, safety, or data-integrity concerns.
• Operate assigned receipt/prep equipment and confirm fit-for-use following required checks.
• Request SOP/form/template changes via QA/Document Control.

Company Benefits: True North, LLC offers 100% employer paid Medical, Dental and Vision coverage - an amazing benefit; along with competitive PTO and retirement matching.

Education / Certification:

• BS in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food/Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
• 3+ year in a lab or regulated operations environment preferred (sample handling, weighing, pipetting, or aseptic technique).
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025, ALCOA+, and LIMS desirable

Technical Experience/Knowledge:

• Accurate weighing/volumetrics ; serial dilutions; basic extractions/digestions ; aseptic technique fundamentals.
• Balance/pipette verification, temperature monitoring, equipment log management.
• Proficiency with basic calculations/Excel; strong documentation discipline.
• High attention to detail, documentation rigor, and time management.
• Clear written/verbal communication; collaborative with functional partners.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Stand/walk for extended periods; lift/move up to 25–35 lbs occasionally (adjust per policy).
• Work with solvents/chemicals/biological materials using required PPE; follow SDS and hygiene practices.
• Standard schedule with occasional flexibility for rush receipts or hold-time constraints.