Clinical Lab Scientist I

Quest Diagnostics

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist I is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. This role independently performs moderate- to highly-complex tests, supports newly introduced testing, prepares and evaluates reagents and controls, assesses specimens and test results, and ensures accurate and timely reporting. The position also maintains laboratory equipment and quality systems, addresses technical problems, and supports safe laboratory operations. The scientist communicates with laboratory staff, management, suppliers, and customers; participates in staff and quality improvement meetings; and may undertake delegated business-related projects such as method comparisons, procedure updates, reference-range establishment, and productivity evaluation. The role provides direct supervision and training to unlicensed staff as necessary, supports training programs where applicable, and maintains professional development to meet California state licensure education requirements. The position is based in San Juan Capistrano, California, and is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM.

Requirements

Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting.
Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or another life or physical science from an accredited college or university.
Current state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if necessary, such as in California.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks and frequent simple grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation.
Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods and to perform work requiring good eye-hand coordination.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.
Testing for color blindness is required upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection or rating of color intensity.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment and comply with health and safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Strong typing skills.
Other automation skills.

Responsibilities

Independently perform moderate- to highly-complex clinical tests according to required procedures and policies.
Perform newly introduced laboratory tests requiring defined skills.
Prepare or oversee preparation of reagents, media, stock solutions, standards, and controls.
Test new reagents or controls and evaluate their usefulness against standard criteria.
Determine whether specimens are acceptable for testing according to established criteria.
Calculate results using manual or computerized procedures and accurately enter test results.
Review computer reports to monitor accurate reporting and follow analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times.
Evaluate routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports.
Recognize critical, unusual, or unexpected results; take appropriate action and document it.
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, instrument performance checks, and required linearity, accuracy, and precision checks.
Perform quality control and calibrations at the required frequency, evaluate results, and determine whether results may be released.
Select and evaluate control materials using established criteria and initiate corrective action when test systems do not meet criteria.
Accurately perform and record proficiency testing.
Detect and correct technical and operational problems; notify the supervisor and contact manufacturer or field service support when needed.
Track and label reagents and supplies accurately and maintain a safe, neat work area.
Communicate effectively with staff, managers, suppliers, and internal and external customers; participate in staff and quality improvement meetings as assigned.
Perform delegated business-related responsibilities or projects, including possible evaluation of techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analyses, reference-range establishment, technical procedure revisions, and productivity or key-results evaluation.
Follow company procedures and guidelines for safety, environmental protection, and infection control; collect and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Maintain integrity and confidentiality.
Provide direct and constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary and train staff in routine and complex procedures; support training programs where applicable.
Maintain professional growth and development through continuing education that meets California state licensure requirements.
Answer phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages.
Use required personal protective equipment and comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost health assessment program.
Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program.
Vacation and health/flex time.
Six holidays plus one “MyDay” off.
FinFit financial coaching and services.
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Life and disability insurance, with a buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.
Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.