Clinical Lab Scientist I - Molecular Genetics

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

4d•$39 - $67•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist I performs clinical laboratory testing in the Molecular Genetics department, following applicable policies and procedures. The role independently performs moderate- to highly complex tests, prepares and evaluates reagents and controls, assesses specimen acceptability, calculates and enters results, and evaluates analyses before releasing patient reports. The scientist maintains laboratory equipment and quality systems, troubleshoots technical issues, and helps ensure accurate, timely reporting. The position also supports a safe and orderly laboratory, communicates with staff and customers, participates in meetings and quality improvement activities, and may take on projects delegated by a supervisor or manager. It provides direct supervision to unlicensed staff when needed and trains staff in routine and complex procedures. Continuing education must meet California state licensure requirements. The role is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a Wednesday-to-Sunday schedule from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The listed pay range is $40.00 to $56.44 per hour. External candidates may be eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Shift differentials may apply, and eligible candidates may also receive annual performance bonus compensation.

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 when required, 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 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.
Must complete color-blindness testing upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection of or rating the intensity of colors.

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 assess their usefulness.
Determine whether specimens are acceptable for testing according to established criteria.
Calculate results from testing data using 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 determine whether results are acceptable for release.
Select and evaluate control materials and initiate corrective action when test systems do not meet established criteria.
Perform and record proficiency testing accurately.
Detect and correct technical and operational problems, notifying the supervisor and contacting 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, health, and safety procedures, including use of personal protective equipment and proper waste disposal.
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.
Complete additional business-related responsibilities or projects as delegated, such as evaluating techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analysis, establishing reference ranges, writing or revising technical procedures, and evaluating productivity and key results measures.
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 through continuing education that meets California state licensure requirements.
Answer phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage 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.
Potential $5,000 sign-on bonus for external candidates.
Potential shift differential of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.