Senior Operations Specialist

Frederick Maryland United States
Job Type: regular full-time
Division:
Precision for Medicine
Business Unit:
Translational Sciences
Requisition Number: 6552

The Senior Operations Specialist for PFM Labs will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across laboratory workflows. This role focuses on improving efficiency, standardization, quality, and cross functional alignment within PFM lab operations. The ideal candidate brings hands on laboratory experience (minimum 5+ years) and a strong understanding of end-to-end lab processes, enabling them to partner effectively with scientific, operational, and quality stakeholders.

Reporting directly to the VP of Business & Operational Excellence, the Process Expert will support the evaluation, design, implementation, and continuous improvement of lab workflows, ensuring seamless execution, clear responsibilities, and consistent delivery to internal and external partners.

• Map current and future‑state laboratory processes, including roles, handoffs, and decision points.
• Participate in root-cause problem‑solving techniques with stakeholders to identify core process challenges.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and pain points in lab workflows (aligned with ongoing PFM BOE initiatives in labs).
• Propose and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, turnaround times, and overall performance.
• Support development and maintenance of process narratives, RACIs, SOP linkages, and training materials.

• Partner with lab managers, scientists, QA, and cross‑functional SMEs to drive consistent execution across labs.
• Support organizational design discussions where processes intersect with roles and responsibilities.
• Participate in lab maturity assessments and optimization projects.

• Facilitate adoption of new or revised processes by preparing communication materials, training, and documentation.
• Support teams during transitions, ensuring clarity and accountability.
• Work collaboratively with process owners and SMEs to embed a “Precision Way” of running lab operations.

• Assist in designing or refining process‑related KPIs and operational dashboards.
• Monitor performance against key metrics and identify areas for further improvement.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, and 5+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience in a clinical, central, research, specialty, or biomarker driven lab environment.
• Strong understanding of end‑to‑end sample lifecycle processes, from receipt and accessioning to analysis and reporting.
• Experience in process mapping, workflow analysis, or operational improvement.
• Familiarity with regulated lab environments (e.g., GxP, CAP/CLIA, ISO) preferred.

• Background in Operational Excellence, Lean/Six Sigma, or continuous improvement.
• Experience contributing to the development of SOPs, work instructions, or training content.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives to completion.

Precision is required by law in some states or cities to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

At Precision, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. This role is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, health insurance, retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, and paid time off for sick leave and vacation, among other benefits.

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