Clinical Lab Scientist I - Molecular Genetics

Quest Diagnostics

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist I performs clinical laboratory testing in the Molecular Genetics department, following all applicable policies and procedures. The position independently conducts moderate- to high-complexity tests, supports newly introduced testing, prepares and evaluates reagents and controls, determines specimen acceptability, calculates and enters results, and reviews laboratory reports for accuracy and timely release. The scientist responds to critical or unexpected results and documents actions taken. The role includes maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating laboratory equipment; evaluating instrument performance; performing quality control, calibration, and proficiency testing; and initiating corrective action when systems do not meet established criteria. The scientist maintains reagent and supply tracking, a safe and neat work area, and effective communication with colleagues, managers, suppliers, and customers. Additional duties may include quality improvement projects, evaluating methods and procedures, supporting staff training, and maintaining professional development required for California licensure. The position follows safety, environmental, infection-control, confidentiality, and personal protective equipment requirements. It may involve supervising and training unlicensed staff, answering and directing phone calls, and performing other assigned duties. The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects, repetitive tasks, frequent grasping, reaching and fine manipulation, and prolonged sitting or standing.

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 perform repetitive tasks, frequent simple grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation, and to sit and/or stand for long periods.
Good eye-hand coordination.
Ability to lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects exceeding 50 pounds require assistance.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment and comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Color-blindness testing is required 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.
Perform newly introduced laboratory tests requiring defined skills.
Prepare or oversee preparation of reagents, media, stock solutions, standards, and controls; test new reagents or controls and evaluate their usefulness.
Determine specimen acceptability according to established criteria.
Calculate results using manual or computerized procedures and accurately enter test results.
Review computer reports and analytical results for accuracy and acceptability before releasing patient reports.
Follow analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times.
Recognize and respond appropriately to critical, unusual, or unexpected results, and document actions taken.
Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, instrument performance checks, and required linearity, accuracy, and precision checks.
Perform quality control and calibrations at the appropriate frequency, evaluate results, and select and evaluate control materials using established criteria.
Initiate corrective action when test systems do not meet established 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, and maintain a safe and neat work area.
Communicate effectively with staff, managers, suppliers, and internal and external customers; participate in staff and assigned Quality Improvement meetings.
Take on additional business-related responsibilities or projects as delegated, including evaluating techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analysis, reference ranges, technical procedures, productivity, and key results measures.
Follow company safety, environmental, and infection-control procedures and guidelines; properly collect and dispose of waste and use required personal protective equipment.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Potential $5,000 sign-on bonus for external candidates.
Day 1 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 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.