Clinical Lab Scientist I - Flow Cytometry

Quest Diagnostics

About The Position

This position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing while following all applicable policies and procedures. The Clinical Lab Scientist I performs moderate to highly complex testing, evaluates results and specimens, maintains laboratory equipment and quality systems, and supports safe, accurate, and timely reporting. The role also includes training and supervising unlicensed staff as needed, contributing to continuous improvement and staff development, and maintaining the continuing education required for California state licensure. The position is based in San Juan Capistrano, California, in the Flow Cytometry department. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The pay range is $40.00–$56.44 per hour. Employees may be eligible for a 10% differential for some or all second-shift hours and a 15% differential for some or all third-shift hours. A $5,000 sign-on bonus is available to external candidates only. Candidates may also be eligible for 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 necessary, such as in California.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, frequent simple grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation; sit and/or stand for long periods; and demonstrate good eye-hand coordination.
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.
Color-blindness testing is required upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection of colors or rating their intensity, such as fluorescent microscopy reading.
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 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 specimen acceptability according to established testing criteria.
Calculate results from testing data using manual or computerized procedures, accurately enter results, and check computer review reports for accurate reporting.
Follow analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times and evaluate routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports.
Recognize and take appropriate action in response to critical values and unusual or unexpected results, and document actions taken.
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, instrument performance checks, and required linearity, accuracy, and precision checks on laboratory equipment.
Perform quality control and calibrations at the appropriate frequency, evaluate results, select and evaluate control materials, and initiate corrective action when systems do not meet established criteria.
Accurately perform and record proficiency testing and 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, neat work area.
Communicate effectively with staff, the immediate manager, suppliers, and internal and external customers through meetings and written and verbal interactions; participate in staff and assigned Quality Improvement meetings.
Undertake additional business-related responsibilities or projects as delegated, potentially including evaluation of techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analysis, reference-range establishment, technical procedure writing and revision, and productivity or key-results evaluation.
Follow company policies and procedures for safety, environmental protection, and infection control; collect and dispose of waste in proper receptacles, use required personal protective equipment, and comply with health and safety practices.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and honesty.
Provide direct, constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary and train staff in routine and complex procedures; support training programs where applicable.
Maintain professional growth and development through continuing education that meets California state licensure education requirements.
Answer phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 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 for external candidates only.