Clinical Lab Scientist I

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

1d•$39 - $67

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist I performs clinical laboratory testing in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The role independently performs moderate to highly complex tests, evaluates specimens and results, maintains testing quality and turnaround times, and helps ensure the accuracy and safety of laboratory operations. The position is in San Juan Capistrano, California, and is scheduled Thursday through Monday from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The scientist maintains laboratory equipment and quality systems, prepares and evaluates reagents and controls, documents testing and proficiency results, and responds to critical or unusual results. The role also communicates with laboratory staff and customers, participates in meetings and improvement projects, supports training and supervision of unlicensed staff as necessary, and maintains continuing education for California licensure.

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: frequently 1–10 pounds, occasionally 11–25 pounds, and seldom 26–50 pounds; 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 and hand coordination.
Color blindness testing is required upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection of colors or rating color intensity.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Independently perform moderate to highly complex clinical tests in accordance with procedures and policies, including newly introduced tests requiring defined skills.
Prepare or oversee preparation of reagents, media, stock solutions, standards, and controls; test new reagents and controls and evaluate 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 the appropriate frequency and evaluate whether results can be released.
Select and evaluate control materials and initiate corrective action when test systems fail to meet established 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.
Maintain a safe and neat work area and follow safety, environmental, infection-control, health, and safety procedures, including use of personal protective equipment.
Communicate effectively with staff, managers, suppliers, and internal and external customers through meetings and written and verbal interactions.
Participate in staff and Quality Improvement meetings as assigned.
Take on additional business-related responsibilities or projects as delegated, including evaluating techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analyses, establishing reference ranges, revising procedures, and reviewing productivity and key results measures.
Collect and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Maintain integrity and confidentiality.
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.
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.