Clinical Lab Scientist Technical Specialist - Limited Term

Sutter Health•Livermore, CA

About The Position

This is a one-year limited-term role with the possibility of extension. The Clinical Lab Scientist Technical Specialist leads and participates in laboratory projects involving implementation of new instrumentation, testing methodologies, assays, and laboratory services. The specialist provides technical project support from planning through implementation and go-live, including validation and verification studies, method-performance evaluation, technical and LIS testing coordination, data review and analysis, documentation, and troubleshooting. The role collaborates with laboratory leadership, Technical and Medical Directors, Quality, LIS/IT teams, vendors, and other stakeholders to support successful implementation and integration into laboratory operations. The specialist supports project timelines, implementation readiness, staff training, procedure development, and post-implementation follow-up to ensure testing meets quality, regulatory, operational, and patient-care requirements. As a technical and clinical subject matter expert in one or more laboratory areas, the specialist evaluates Quality Control (QC) and Proficiency Testing (PT), takes corrective action when needed, and periodically summarizes results for Medical Director review. The role also performs Quality Assurance (QA) duties, including reviewing patient-testing, instrument-maintenance, and temperature records, and taking corrective action when needed. The specialist maintains knowledge of technological advances and accreditation requirements, supports accreditation readiness, and participates in accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections. The role advises on technical and clinical problem-solving, troubleshooting, and development of policies, procedures, and protocols; develops validation and verification plans, training materials, and competency assessments; and trains and assesses coworkers. The specialist routinely performs Clinical Laboratory Scientist duties in one or more laboratory areas and follows applicable regulations and procedures to protect patient privacy and maintain safety and reliability in testing.

Requirements

Baccalaureate or higher degree in biological sciences or an equivalent major from an accredited college or university, with coursework relevant to a California Clinical Lab Scientist Generalist license as specified by California Code of Regulations Title 17.
Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist (CLSL).
Five years of recent relevant experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in one or more clinical specialty areas.
Subject matter expertise in one or more technical areas of the laboratory.
Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Skill in QC/QA, equipment troubleshooting, training, competency assessment, procedure development, and technical problem-solving.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties and tasks and complete them within expected timeframes.
Ability to perform duties accurately, precisely, and reliably.
Sound judgment and problem-solving ability relevant to assigned duties.
Ability to interact compassionately and effectively with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Ability to respond appropriately to volume fluctuations; unexpected equipment or information-system problems; shift handoffs; STAT orders; specimen-integrity issues; pending-log reviews; and priority assignments.
Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
Knowledge of applicable regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring patient privacy and safety.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in laboratory projects to implement instrumentation, testing methodologies, assays, and laboratory services.
Coordinate validation and verification studies, method-performance evaluation, technical and LIS testing, validation-data review, documentation, and resolution of technical issues.
Collaborate with laboratory leadership, Technical and Medical Directors, Quality, LIS/IT teams, vendors, and other stakeholders to integrate new analyzers and tests into laboratory operations.
Support project timelines, implementation readiness, staff training, procedure development, and post-implementation follow-up.
Serve as a technical and clinical subject matter expert in one or more laboratory areas.
Evaluate QC and PT, take corrective action when needed, and periodically summarize results for Medical Director review.
Perform QA duties, including reviewing patient-testing, instrument-maintenance, and temperature records, and taking corrective action when needed.
Maintain current knowledge of technological advances and accreditation requirements; support accreditation readiness and participate in surveys and regulatory inspections.
Advise on technical and clinical problem-solving and troubleshooting, and on the technical aspects of new policies, procedures, and protocols.
Develop and coordinate validation and verification plans for new procedures and equipment.
Develop training materials and competency assessments, and train and assess coworkers.
Routinely perform Clinical Laboratory Scientist duties in one or more laboratory areas.
Follow applicable local, state, and federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to protect patient privacy and ensure safety and reliability in testing.