Clinical Lab Scientist I - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

12h•$40 - $56•Onsite

About The Position

This position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing in the Microbiology department while following applicable policies and procedures. The Clinical Lab Scientist I independently performs moderate to highly complex tests, prepares and evaluates reagents and controls, assesses specimens, calculates and enters results, and reviews analyses before releasing patient reports. The role also supports equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, quality control, proficiency testing, and corrective action when test systems do not meet established criteria. The position involves maintaining accurate records and supplies, a safe and orderly work area, and effective communication with coworkers, managers, suppliers, and customers. The scientist may help train and directly supervise unlicensed staff, participate in staff and quality-improvement meetings, take on delegated projects, and maintain professional development that meets California state licensure education requirements. The role requires following safety, environmental, infection-control, and confidentiality policies, using required personal protective equipment, and performing other assigned duties. The position is located in San Juan Capistrano, California. The scheduled workweek is Thursday through Monday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The listed pay range is $40.00–$56.44 per hour. External candidates may be eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

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 lift and carry objects weighing 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to 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 colors or rating their intensity.
Compliance with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including use of personal protective equipment.

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.
Determine whether specimens are acceptable for testing according to established criteria.
Calculate results using testing data through manual or computerized procedures.
Enter test results accurately, review computer reports for accurate reporting, and follow analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times.
Evaluate routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports; respond appropriately to critical, unusual, or unexpected results and document actions taken.
Perform preventative 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 appropriate frequencies and evaluate results before releasing results.
Select and evaluate control materials using established criteria and initiate corrective action when test systems fail to meet criteria.
Perform and accurately 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.
Maintain a safe and neat work area and follow safety, environmental, infection-control, and health policies and practices.
Communicate effectively with staff, the immediate manager, suppliers, and internal and external customers through meetings and written and verbal interactions.
Participate in staff and quality-improvement meetings as assigned.
Complete additional business-related responsibilities or projects delegated by the Supervisor or Manager, potentially including evaluating techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analyses, establishing reference ranges, writing or revising technical procedures, and evaluating productivity and key results measures.
Collect and dispose of waste in appropriate receptacles.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and honesty.
Provide direct and constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary, train staff in routine and complex procedures, and 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees who work 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.
$5,000 sign-on bonus available to external candidates.