Clinical Lab Scientist I - Serology

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

2d•$40 - $56•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist I is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing in the Serology department in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The position independently performs moderate- to highly-complex testing, evaluates specimens and test results, maintains laboratory equipment and quality controls, and supports accurate and timely reporting. The role also includes training and supervising unlicensed staff as necessary, participating in quality improvement activities, maintaining professional development, and complying with safety, environmental, infection-control, and confidentiality requirements. The position is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a Tuesday-to-Saturday schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The stated pay range is $40.00–$56.44 per hour. A 10% second-shift or 15% third-shift differential may apply to some or all hours worked, and eligible candidates may receive annual performance bonus compensation. A $5,000 sign-on bonus is available to external candidates only.

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 required, such as in California.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to lift and carry objects: 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.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including frequent simple grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation.
Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
Good eye-hand coordination.
Color-blindness testing is required upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection of or rating color intensity.

Nice To Haves

Strong typing skills.
Other automation skills.

Responsibilities

Independently perform moderate- to highly-complex clinical tests according to required procedures and policies, including newly introduced tests requiring defined skills.
Prepare and oversee preparation of reagents, media, stock solutions, standards, and controls; test new reagents or controls and evaluate their usefulness against established criteria.
Determine whether specimens are acceptable for testing according to established criteria.
Calculate results from testing data using manual or computerized procedures.
Accurately enter test results, review computer reports for accurate reporting, and adhere to analytical schedules and turnaround times.
Evaluate routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports; respond appropriately to critical, unusual, or unexpected results and document actions taken.
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
Evaluate instrument performance checks and perform required linearity, accuracy, and precision checks.
Perform quality control and calibrations at the required frequency and assess whether results are acceptable for release.
Select and evaluate control materials using established criteria and initiate corrective action when test systems fail to 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 through meetings and written and verbal interactions.
Participate in staff and assigned Quality Improvement meetings.
Take on delegated business-related responsibilities or projects, which may include evaluating techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analysis, establishing reference ranges, revising technical procedures, and evaluating productivity and key-result measures.
Follow required safety, environmental, and infection-control procedures and guidelines; collect and dispose of waste in appropriate receptacles.
Maintain integrity and confidentiality.
Provide direct, 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 and transfer phone 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-one medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
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.
$5,000 sign-on bonus for external candidates only.