1

Sample Preparation Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Directly supervises the sample preparation staff, including training, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and ...

Metallographical sample preparation, sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching 3.Perform weld penetration and thermal damage analysis 4.Decide to release or hold manufacturing product ...

Laboratory Technician

Elk River, MN · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Prepare, grind, label, weigh, and scan samples using NIR equipment. * Support forage sample analysis and daily processing activities. * Maintain clean, organized laboratory work areas. * Follow all ...

Laboratory Technician

Elk River, MN · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Prepare, grind, label, weigh, and scan samples using NIR equipment. * Support forage sample analysis and daily processing activities. * Maintain clean, organized laboratory work areas. * Follow all ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sample Preparation information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do sample preparation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for sample preparation in Minnesota is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sample preparation?

Sample preparation is the process of treating and handling samples before they are analyzed in a laboratory setting. This step is crucial because it ensures that the sample is suitable for analysis, removing contaminants or interfering substances and sometimes concentrating the analyte of interest. Proper sample preparation helps achieve accurate and reliable results in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Techniques can include filtration, extraction, dilution, and homogenization, depending on the type of analysis required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sample preparation technician?

To excel as a Sample Preparation Technician, you generally need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring additional lab-based coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, pipettes, and balances, as well as safety certifications like OSHA training, is often expected. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to follow precise instructions help individuals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate and consistent sample processing, which directly impacts the reliability of laboratory analysis and results.

What are some common challenges faced in a sample preparation role, and how can they be addressed?

A common challenge in Sample Preparation is maintaining consistency and accuracy when handling diverse sample types, which may require different preparation techniques. Time management is also crucial, as samples often need to be processed within strict deadlines to support downstream analysis. To address these challenges, it's important to follow standardized protocols carefully, stay organized, and communicate effectively with lab colleagues to prioritize urgent tasks or troubleshoot issues. Regular training on equipment and safety practices also helps ensure high-quality results.

What is the difference between Sample Preparation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSample PreparationLaboratory Technician
Primary RolePreparing samples for analysis or testingPerforming tests and procedures on samples
CredentialsOften requires technical certifications or trainingTypically requires an associate degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesLaboratories, industrial settings
Industry UsageCommon in research, pharmaceuticals, environmental testingWidespread in healthcare, manufacturing, research

While both roles work within laboratory settings, Sample Preparation focuses on preparing samples for testing, whereas Laboratory Technicians perform the actual testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Sample Preparation jobs in Minnesota?

For Sample Preparation jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sample Preparation jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Sample Preparation jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Sample Preparation job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,088 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Supervisor, Sample Preparation

North American Science Associates, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$68K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

NAMSA pioneered the industry and was the first independent company in the world to focus solely on medical device materials for safety. NAMSA started testing medical devices before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started regulating such products in 1976.
We are shaping the industry. NAMSA has been a key contributor to the development of the test methods that govern our industry. We have become the industry's premier provider. We provide support for clients during every step of the product development lifecycle and beyond.
Come and work for an organization with the:
Vision to inspire innovative MedTech solutions that advance global healthcare, improve patient lives and accelerate Client success and the
Mission to deliver best-in-class global MedTech development solutions through our people, expertise and technology by adhering to our core
Values:
  • Act with integrity in everything we do.
  • Provide best-in-class customer experiences.
  • Develop superior talent and deliver expertise.
  • Respond with agility and provide timely results.
  • Embrace collaboration, diverse perspectives and ideas.

Compensation Target:
$90,000.00
Job Description:
• Responsible for the planning, organizing, and ongoing operations of the sample preparation department, including supply, staff and space needs.
• Coordinates department activities based on client study designs and expected completion timelines.
• Directly supervises the sample preparation staff, including training, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. Participates in hiring and termination process.
• Trains technicians in sample preparation, formulation, and extraction of prepared samples in support of in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assays, pharmacology and toxicology procedures. Also, trains technicians in general laboratory procedures, study article receipt, proper documentation, daily department processes, maintenance duties, and safety precautions. Coordinates training schedule and maintains employee training records.
• Acts as technical lead for sample preparation activities, including medical device preparation, test specifications, raw materials, and protocol generation. May advise clients on routine technical issues.
• Maintains accurate records and inventories related to department supplies and related equipment and coordinates with purchasing to ensure adequate inventory and supply levels. Controls expenses by submitting budget information and scheduling expenditures.
• Maintains deviation and other appropriate departmental metrics. Reviews and assists technicians with corrective actions and other deviation-related documentation.
• Reviews, updates and develops departmental SOPs and other technical documents to reflect current policies and practices and to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications & Technical Competencies:
• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Biology, Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Requires 5 years related laboratory experience and at least 1 year in a leadership role.
Salary Range: $80-100k annually
Working Conditions:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Physical activities include sitting for periods of time and occasionally standing and walking.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Extensive use of computer keyboard.
The compensation grade range for this position is:
$68,800.00 - $133,700.00
Annual
Please Note: Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.
NAMSA is an equal employment opportunity company.
NAMSA participates in pre-employment background and drug screen processes aligned to local, state and federal laws.