Clinical Laboratory Scientist

the Client•San Juan Capistrano, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing, following all applicable policies and procedures. The role involves independently performing moderate to highly complex clinical tests, preparing reagents, testing new reagents, determining specimen acceptability, calculating results, and accurately entering test results. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist also checks computer review reports, adheres to analytical schedules, evaluates the acceptability of analyses, and responds to critical values or unusual results. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, evaluating instrument performance, performing quality control, and initiating corrective actions when necessary. The position also ensures accurate tracking and labeling of reagents and supplies, maintains a safe work area, and demonstrates effective communication with staff and customers. Active participation in staff and Quality Improvement meetings is expected. Additional responsibilities may include evaluating new techniques, method comparison, cost analysis, establishing reference ranges, writing/revising technical procedures, and evaluating productivity. The role requires adherence to safety, environmental, and infection control policies, proper waste disposal, and maintaining confidentiality. Direct supervision and training of unlicensed staff may be required, as well as support for training programs. Maintaining professional growth through continuing education that meets California state licensure requirements is essential. The role also involves answering phones, transferring calls, and taking messages. Compliance with health and safety policies and the use of personal protective equipment are mandatory. Other duties as assigned are part of the role, which is a general description of work performed.

Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
BS in Medical Technology or other life/physical sciences from an accredited college or university — Required
Current California CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) state license — Required (must be verified prior to submittal)
Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting

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.