Clinical Lab Scientist I

Quest Diagnostics • San Juan Capistrano, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing, following all applicable policies and procedures. The Clinical Lab Scientist I performs moderate to highly complex clinical tests independently, following required procedures and policies. They also perform newly introduced tests to the laboratory that require defined skills. Responsibilities include preparing and overseeing the preparation of reagents or media, stock solutions, standards, and controls. The role involves testing new reagents or controls and evaluating their usefulness based on standard criteria. Determining the acceptability of specimens for testing, calculating results, and accurately entering them into the system are key duties. The position requires checking computer review reports for accurate reporting, adhering to analytical schedules for turnaround times, and evaluating the acceptability of routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports. Recognizing and responding to critical values or unusual results, documenting actions taken, and performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment are also essential. Evaluating instrument performance, performing linearity, accuracy, and precision checks, and conducting Quality Control and calibrations are part of the role. Initiating corrective action when test systems do not perform according to criteria, accurately performing and recording proficiency testing, and demonstrating the ability to detect and correct technical and operational problems are required. Notifying supervisors and contacting manufacturers or field service support when necessary is also part of the job. Ensuring accurate tracking and labeling of reagents and supplies, maintaining a safe and neat work area, and demonstrating effective communication with staff, managers, suppliers, and customers are crucial. Active participation in staff and Quality Improvement meetings, taking on additional business-related responsibilities or projects, and adhering to all safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines are expected. This includes collecting and disposing of waste properly and maintaining confidentiality. The role may involve providing direct supervision to unlicensed staff and training them in proper procedures. Maintaining professional growth and development through continuing education that meets California state licensure requirements is necessary. Answering phones, transferring calls, and taking accurate messages are also duties. Compliance with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, and the use of personal protective equipment are mandatory. Other duties as assigned are part of this general description of work performed.

Requirements

• Zero to three year’s direct experience in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Bachelor’s Degree Medical technology or other life or physical sciences from an accredited college or university.
• Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if necessary (e.g. California)

Nice To Haves

• Strong typing skills desirable.
• Other automation skills helpful.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs moderate to highly complex clinical tests following the required procedures and policies.
• Performs newly introduced tests to the laboratory that require defined skills.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of reagents or media as well as stock solutions, standards, and controls.
• Tests new reagents or controls and evaluates their usefulness based on standard criteria.
• Determines the acceptability of specimens for testing according to established criteria in testing procedures.
• Determines calculated results utilizing testing data by means of manual or computerized procedures.
• Accurately enters results of testing.
• Checks the computer review reports to monitor accurate reporting of laboratory results.
• Adheres to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times of results.
• Evaluates the acceptability of routine and complex analyses prior to releasing patient reports.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action in response to critical values or unusual or unexpected results, and documents action taken.
• Responsible for preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Evaluates the results of instrument performance checks.
• Performs linearity, accuracy and precision checks as required.
• Performs Quality Control and calibrations with the appropriate frequency and evaluates results, to determine acceptability of result release.
• Selects and evaluates control materials using established criteria.
• Initiates a corrective action process whenever test systems do not perform according to the established criteria.
• Accurately performs and records proficiency testing.
• Demonstrates the ability to detect and correct technical and operational problems.
• Notifies the supervisor, and contacts manufacturer or field service support for additional assistance, if necessary.
• Ensures accurate tracking and labeling of reagents and supplies.
• Consistently maintains a safe and neat work area.
• Demonstrates effective two-way communication with staff, immediate manager, suppliers, internal and external customers, via meetings, written and verbal interactions, to create an informed positive environment.
• Actively participates in staff meetings, and in Quality Improvement meetings as assigned.
• Takes on additional business-related responsibilities or projects, as delegated by the Supervisor or Manager.
• Responsible for following all required procedures, practices and related guidelines as provided in company policy and associated procedures for safety, environmental, and infection control.
• Collects and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
• Provides direct and constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary and trains staff in proper performance of both routine and complex procedures.
• Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
• Maintains professional growth and development through continuing education.
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
• Required to use personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Best-in-class well-being programs
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program
• Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 "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, plus buy-up option
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Annual incentive plans
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level