Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

Summary: 

The Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) performs laboratory tests on clinical and research samples classified as moderate or high complexity or waived tests. The CLS will also operate and maintain laboratory testing equipment, perform quality control, and troubleshooting issues on all pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical laboratory procedures. The CLS will ensure that complex diagnostic assays and systems are performed under appropriate compliance and regulatory requirements. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for testing and reporting laboratory test results for all clinical or research tests (High/moderate complexity or waived tests) methods approved by CAP and CLIA.
• Participate in process improvement activities such as quality, safety, document management, change control, andproficiencytesting.
• Perform materials preparation and qualification on materials and/or instruments used in laboratory operations.
• Assist in assay validation.
• Review and maintain QC records and report all problems to laboratory management.
• Identify, troubleshoot, document and resolve problems with test results.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Monitor reagent and supply inventory.
• Organize patient specimen and test batch records.
• Required to follow Quality Assurance and safety policies and procedures.
• Review patient test results and draft preliminary report for Director review
• Participate in special clinical and research projects, as needed
• Other duties as assigned by the laboratory director or designee.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Proficient in MS applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook).
• Ability to follow lab safety practices when working in the laboratory with human samples such as blood, bone marrow aspirate, tissue samples, prenatal specimens or cell lines and other hazardous materials.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards determined by the clinical laboratory.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels of employees.
• Effective attention to detail with high degree of accuracy.

Education, Certifications, Licenses:

• Education (Level and field of study) required/ preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution required. Master’s degree a plus.
• Years relevant/ total work experience:
  • CLS I–Minimum one (1) year experience in clinical laboratory required.
  • CLS II–Minimum five (5) years’ experience in clinical laboratory required.
  • Experience working in a high complexity CLIA/CAP environment preferred.
• Certifications or Licenses required: 
  • Current California CLS, CGMBS or Cytogenetics license required. 
  • Must maintain continuing education units required by California Department of Health Services.

Leadership Responsibility (Direct/ Indirect): N/A 

Additional Requirements: 

• Work Location: Onsite – San Diego, CA
• Travel Requirements: Minimal travel required.
• Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
  • Sit and stand for prolonged periods 
  • Repeating motions that may include the hands,wristsand/or fingers 
  • Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms
  • Stand and/or move about the office 
  • Specific visual abilities, including close vision and ability to adjust focus, read, review, and assess the accuracy and thoroughness of the work assigned
  • Verbal abilities require communicating with others to exchange information
  • Occasionally adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions
  • In-person interaction with others indoors 
  • Use standard computer, telephone and related equipment for communication, and recordkeeping
  • Able to travel, including international travel, without personal assistance

The above physical requirements and work environment characteristics generally reflect those of this position but is not an exhaustive list. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, provided that such accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. 

Disclaimer 

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description generally reflects management’s assignment of essential functions but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, and it does not limit or restrict the duties and responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time. The duties, responsibilities and job description of this role are subject to change at any time without notice.