Biospecimen Management Supervisor

At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest timepoints, enable selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California.

Summary:

The Biospecimen Management Supervisor oversees the Accessioning and Biobank Teams within the Biospecimen Management department. This team supports laboratory operations through sample intake, accessioning, storage, returns, and destruction, following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and utilizing Personalis’ Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and related software.

The Supervisor is responsible for shipping, receiving, recording, and inventorying laboratory samples. The role requires close collaboration with the Project Management and Client Experience teams to ensure successful and timely execution of customer projects and continuous improvement of sample management processes.

Additionally, the Supervisor manages all Biospecimen Management team activities, including employee scheduling, training, professional development, and hiring. They troubleshoot issues, oversee turnaround times, and ensure consistent adherence to SOPs and quality standards, aligning departmental goals with overall company objectives to maintain best-in-class laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise staff and oversee all sample management workflows, including accessioning and quality report checks.

• Ensure timely and accurate data entry into the sample management systems and oversee quality control of specimen data.

• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality control policies, documenting all activities appropriately.

• Lead root cause investigations for nonconformances and/or CAPAs, and document corrective actions.

• Assist in audits and inspections related to biospecimen management and ensure readiness for regulatory and internal audits.

• Track, compile, and analyze performance metrics to support continuous improvement.

• Provide regular status updates and progress reports to management, highlighting KPIs, issues, solutions, and areas for improvement.

• Act as the primary point of contact for team inquiries and communicate updates on new processes.

• Maintain and organize the Accessioning and Biobank workspace, including sample storage and related equipment.

• Log and manage data in the LIMS and Clinical Portal.

• Manage QA/QC processes for cases progressing through the laboratory.

• Develop and implement new workflows and SOPs to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety in accessioning operations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Project Management, Lab Operations, Genetic Counselors, and Pathologists.

• Manage complex operational activities independently, exercising strong managerial judgment.

• Troubleshoot laboratory workflow issues and implement effective solutions.

• Consistently demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and a solution-oriented approach.

Requirements:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in a biological laboratory environment; at least 2 years in a supervisory role required.

• Proficiency in laboratory safety and quality control procedures and regulations.

• Good understanding of biospecimen accessioning, processing, storage, and shipping protocols.

• Good understanding of biospecimen accessioning, processing, storage, and shipping protocols.

• Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to share and receive feedback across all organizational levels.

• Commitment to teamwork and achieving organizational goals.

• Customer-focused mindset with a proven track record of exceeding service and quality expectations.

• Experience working in CLIA-accredited environments is strongly preferred.

Education:

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• 6 years of experience in general laboratory operations is required.

The hiring range for this position is $90,000 to $113,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Personalis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, Personalis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your recruiter know, if/when they contacts you.

Personalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabilities. Personalis offers a competitive compensation package and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, sick/vacation time, commuter benefits/ EV charging stations, onsite gym, and wellness benefits. (For US only, benefits in other countries may vary.) 

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