Clinical Laboratory Scientist

START Center for Cancer Research • Los Angeles, CA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs moderate- and high-complexity clinical laboratory testing on patient and research specimens in support of timely, accurate patient care and clinical research operations. The role covers pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases, including quality control, instrument operation and maintenance, result review and reporting, documentation, and compliance with applicable federal, California, and organizational requirements.

The position is based at 10700 Santa Monica, Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90025. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the posting also notes that operational needs may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime. Occasional travel may be required for training, meetings, or operational support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biological science, chemistry, or a related discipline that satisfies California licensure requirements.
• Current, active, and unrestricted California Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist license issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services; the license must remain in good standing throughout employment.
• At least one year of clinical laboratory experience. Qualifying clinical training or internship experience may be considered if it meets applicable California licensing and organizational requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory processes; quality control principles; instrument maintenance; troubleshooting; and accurate result documentation.
• Ability to perform only testing authorized by the laboratory, the employee’s license, validated procedures, and documented training and competency.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, judgment, problem-solving, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and the ability to use laboratory information systems, electronic records, Microsoft Office applications, and other required technology.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy, safety, quality, and laboratory requirements, including CLIA, California laboratory requirements, HIPAA, OSHA/Cal-OSHA, and START policies and procedures.
• Ability to work the schedule required to support laboratory operations, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime based on business and patient-care needs.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods and move throughout laboratory and clinical work areas; bend, stoop, reach overhead and at shoulder level, and access equipment and supplies.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform repetitive and fine-motor tasks, including pipetting, specimen handling, instrument operation, keyboarding, and use of laboratory tools.
• Ability to read instrument displays, labels, color-based reactions, and detailed records, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work with potential exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, sharps, chemicals, reagents, biohazards, and moving equipment while following required personal protective equipment and safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

• National certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist, such as MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP), or an equivalent credential.
• Experience in hematology, chemistry, immunology, urinalysis, coagulation, microbiology, or other areas applicable to the laboratory test menu.
• Experience in oncology, clinical research, Phase I clinical trials, or a high-throughput patient-care laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory information systems, quality management systems, proficiency testing, inspections, validations, and method comparisons.
• Experience working in a California-licensed and CLIA-certified clinical laboratory; CAP-accredited laboratory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process patient and research specimens, including receipt, transport, accessioning, labeling verification, preparation, and storage, while maintaining specimen integrity and chain of custody.
• Perform moderate- and high-complexity laboratory testing according to validated methods, manufacturer instructions, standard operating procedures, the laboratory test menu, and the employee’s California license and documented competency.
• Review results for accuracy, completeness, and clinical validity; recognize abnormal, critical, or inconsistent findings; repeat or escalate testing as needed; and report results through approved systems and workflows.
• Perform, document, and review quality control, calibration, calibration verification, proficiency testing, method comparison, and parallel testing activities; identify trends and take or escalate corrective action when acceptance criteria are not met.
• Operate laboratory instruments and equipment; perform scheduled maintenance, function checks, and troubleshooting; coordinate service support; and document instrument status and corrective actions.
• Maintain complete, accurate, timely, and traceable records in the laboratory information system and other approved systems, including test results, quality records, maintenance logs, reagent and supply documentation, and corrective actions.
• Prepare, label, store, and track reagents, controls, calibrators, and supplies; monitor lot numbers, expiration dates, storage conditions, and inventory levels; and assist with ordering and receipt of laboratory materials.
• Follow laboratory safety, infection prevention, exposure-control, hazardous-material, waste-disposal, and emergency procedures when handling biological specimens, chemicals, sharps, and laboratory equipment.
• Participate in training, competency assessment, quality improvement, audit and inspection readiness, validation or verification activities, and development or revision of laboratory procedures, as assigned.
• Communicate laboratory information clearly and professionally with physicians, nurses, research staff, laboratory leadership, medical directors, vendors, and other partners.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and inspection-ready work environment and promptly report safety, quality, compliance, privacy, or equipment concerns through appropriate channels.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential, no-cost support for employees and their families from day one
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans
• Supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility
• Collaborative workplace with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time