Clinical Lab Scientist I

Quest Diagnostics•San Juan Capistrano, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing, following all applicable policies and procedures. The Clinical Lab Scientist I independently performs moderate to highly complex clinical tests, prepares reagents, tests new reagents, evaluates specimen acceptability, determines calculated results, and accurately enters results. The role involves checking computer review reports, adhering to analytical schedules, and evaluating the acceptability of analyses before releasing patient reports. The scientist must recognize and respond to critical values or unusual results, perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment, and evaluate instrument performance. Quality control, calibration, and proficiency testing are key responsibilities, along with initiating corrective actions when test systems do not perform as expected. The position requires effective communication, participation in staff and Quality Improvement meetings, and potentially taking on additional business-related responsibilities such as evaluating new techniques, method comparisons, cost analysis, and revising technical procedures. Adherence to safety, environmental, and infection control policies, proper waste disposal, and maintaining confidentiality are essential. The role may involve direct supervision and training of unlicensed staff and requires maintaining professional growth through continuing education to meet state licensure requirements. Other duties include answering phones and complying with health and safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Zero to three year’s direct experience in a laboratory setting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Bachelor’s Degree Medical technology or other life or physical sciences from an accredited college or university.
Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if necessary (e.g. California)

Nice To Haves

Strong typing skills desirable.
Other automation skills helpful.

Responsibilities

Independently performs moderate to highly complex clinical tests following the required procedures and policies.
Performs newly introduced tests to the laboratory that require defined skills.
Prepares and oversees the preparation of reagents or media as well as stock solutions, standards, and controls.
Tests new reagents or controls and evaluates their usefulness based on standard criteria.
Determines the acceptability of specimens for testing according to established criteria in testing procedures.
Determines calculated results utilizing testing data by means of manual or computerized procedures.
Accurately enters results of testing.
Checks the computer review reports to monitor accurate reporting of laboratory results.
Adheres to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times of results.
Evaluates the acceptability of routine and complex analyses prior to releasing patient reports.
Recognizes and takes appropriate action in response to critical values or unusual or unexpected results, and documents action taken.
Responsible for preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration of laboratory equipment.
Evaluates the results of instrument performance checks.
Performs linearity, accuracy and precision checks as required.
Performs Quality Control and calibrations with the appropriate frequency and evaluates results, to determine acceptability of result release.
Selects and evaluates control materials using established criteria.
Initiates a corrective action process whenever test systems do not perform according to the established criteria.
Accurately performs and records proficiency testing.
Demonstrates the ability to detect and correct technical and operational problems.
Notifies the supervisor, and contacts manufacturer or field service support for additional assistance, if necessary.
Ensures accurate tracking and labeling of reagents and supplies.
Consistently maintains a safe and neat work area.
Demonstrates effective two-way communication with staff, immediate manager, suppliers, internal and external customers, via meetings, written and verbal interactions, to create an informed positive environment.
Actively participates in staff meetings, and in Quality Improvement meetings as assigned.
Takes on additional business-related responsibilities or projects, as delegated by the Supervisor or Manager.
Responsible for following all required procedures, practices and related guidelines as provided in company policy and associated procedures for safety, environmental, and infection control.
Collects and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
Provides direct and constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary and trains staff in proper performance of both routine and complex procedures.
Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
Maintains professional growth and development through continuing education.
Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages.
Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Required to use personal protective equipment.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
Best-in-class well-being programs
Annual, no-cost health assessment program
Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program
Vacation and Health/Flex Time
6 Holidays plus 1 "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, plus buy-up option
Flexible Spending Accounts
Annual incentive plans
Matching gifts program
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
Career advancement opportunities