Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Overview

A rapidly growing clinical diagnostics laboratory is seeking a skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join its team. The CLS will perform high-complexity testing—with a strong focus on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and assay validation—while maintaining full competency across all phases of laboratory operations, including pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows. This role is responsible for operating and troubleshooting automated instrumentation, ensuring accurate data entry, and adhering to all regulatory and internal quality standards.

Under the guidance of laboratory leadership, the CLS will support method evaluations, contribute to the development and revision of standard operating procedures, maintain supply inventory, and collaborate effectively with internal teams, auditors, and laboratory management. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to producing high-quality, reliable results.

This position is fully on-site in Tustin, CA, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity testing in compliance with laboratory procedures, maintaining proficiency across pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic stages.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance and calibrations on automated laboratory instruments.
• Accurately transcribe and verify patient results from raw analytical output into the laboratory information system (LIS).
• Document all testing activities in real time, including specimen handling, QC data, instrument maintenance, and corrective actions.
• Recognize issues that may affect test performance or result accuracy and take appropriate corrective action or escalate promptly to supervisory personnel.
• Ensure reagent and supply inventory is properly received, tracked, labeled, and stored.
• Maintain organized logs, worksheets, batch records, and other documentation according to laboratory policies and regulatory standards.
• Participate in evaluating new methods or technologies as directed by laboratory leadership.
• Support the creation and revision of standard operating procedures while adhering to document-control requirements.
• Adapt to evolving workflows and operational changes within the laboratory.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution.
• At least two years of experience working as a licensed CLS is preferred, ideally with exposure to NGS workflows and assay validation.

Licensure/Certification

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license required; Generalist CLS license preferred.

Must be a United States Citizen to apply.