Clinical Lab Scientist I - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Scientist I is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing while following applicable policies and procedures. This role independently performs moderate- to highly-complex tests, evaluates results and specimens, maintains quality control and instrument performance, and supports safe and accurate laboratory operations. The position is in the Microbiology department in San Juan Capistrano, California, with a Thursday-to-Monday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The stated pay range is $40.00–$56.44 per hour. External candidates may be eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The role also includes training and supervising unlicensed staff as necessary, participating in quality improvement and staff meetings, maintaining continuing education for California state licensure, and taking on additional projects or duties as assigned. Employees must follow company safety, environmental, and infection-control procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

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: 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, frequent simple grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation, and to sit and/or stand for long periods.
Good eye-hand coordination.
Undergo color-blindness testing upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection of or rating color intensity.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Independently perform moderate- to highly-complex clinical tests according to required procedures and policies.
Perform newly introduced laboratory 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 using standard criteria.
Determine whether specimens are acceptable for testing according to established criteria.
Calculate results using testing data and manual or computerized procedures; accurately enter test results.
Review computer reports to monitor accurate reporting of laboratory results and adhere to analytical schedules and turnaround times.
Evaluate routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports; respond appropriately to critical, unusual, or unexpected results and document actions taken.
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment; evaluate instrument performance checks.
Perform required linearity, accuracy, and precision checks.
Perform quality control and calibrations at the appropriate frequency, evaluate results, and determine whether results can be released.
Select and evaluate control materials using established criteria and initiate corrective action when test systems fail to meet 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 and maintain a safe, neat work area.
Communicate effectively with staff, managers, suppliers, and internal and external customers through meetings and written and verbal interactions.
Participate in staff meetings and assigned Quality Improvement meetings.
Complete additional business-related responsibilities or projects as delegated, including possible evaluations of techniques and procedures, method comparisons, cost analyses, reference-range establishment, technical procedure revisions, and productivity or key-results evaluations.
Follow required safety, environmental, and infection-control procedures and guidelines; collect and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Maintain integrity and honesty in protecting confidentiality.
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 requirements.
Answer phones, transfer calls, or take accurate messages.
Use required personal protective equipment and comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
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 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 $5,000 sign-on bonus for external candidates.
Potential annual performance bonus compensation.