Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220 companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.

Come join a quickly growing CT-based startup founded by Brooks Leitner, MD, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of VO Health, an applied biotech company commercializing the next generation of biomarkers of healthspan and performance.

With over 30 peer-reviewed publications and 1,800 citations in metabolism, physiology, and translational research, Brooks brings a unique perspective at the intersection of cutting-edge science and practical application. He trained at Yale University and the NIH, serves on the Physician Advisory Council of the Medical Fitness Association, and has experience spanning biomedical research, venture capital, and company building. He is a second-time founder, having previously launched a epigenetics therapeutics startup where he raised early capital and recruited executive leadership.

VO Health is a venture-backed biotechnology company on a mission to democratize access to advanced functional health insights once limited to research institutions. We are developing novel proteomic biomarkers of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and metabolic health — translating cutting-edge science into actionable diagnostics for prevention and early disease detection.

Our laboratory is located within BioLabs New Haven (101 College St.), a collaborative biotech incubator in the heart of Connecticut’s emerging life sciences hub. VO Health operates a private suite within BioLabs and is in the early stages of CLIA registration to develop and commercialize laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) based on advanced multiplexed proteomic assays.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

VO Health is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to manage laboratory operations and serve as Testing Personnel under CLIA guidelines. This is a bench-level position, ideal for someone who is eager to work hands-on with cutting-edge proteomic technology in a fast-paced, translational environment. You will work closely with the VO Health science and operations teams to process samples, run assays, and maintain quality and compliance as we prepare for CLIA certification and clinical launch.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Laboratory Testing

• Perform sample processing and proteomic assays (multiplexed, flow cytometry–based high-throughput ELISA).
• Operate and maintain benchtop flow cytometer and other clinical chemistry instrumentation. Follow and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample preparation, reagent handling, and assay execution.
• Ensure accurate documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with CLIA and laboratory quality standards.

Operational Support

• Assist with the shipping, receiving, and accessioning of human plasma and saliva samples.
• Help maintain a growing biobank with accurate sample labeling, storage, and retrieval processes. Support laboratory organization, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
• Participate in laboratory quality control and troubleshooting processes.

Regulatory and Quality

• Serve as Testing Personnel under CLIA during VO Health’s laboratory startup phase.
• Collaborate with consultants and supervisors to support CLIA registration and readiness.
• Maintain accurate electronic documentation and assist in preparing quality and audit materials.

Collaboration

• Work closely with PhD scientists, MD consultants, and operations staff to support assay validation and optimization.
• Communicate effectively across scientific, operational, and software teams to ensure smooth data flow and sample tracking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in a clinical laboratory or biotech environment (high-complexity testing preferred).
• Demonstrated proficiency in immunoassays, ELISA, or flow cytometry; experience troubleshooting and optimizing assays.
• Familiarity with clinical chemistry workflows and laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills; attention to detail is essential.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Slack, and other digital collaboration tools.
• Must be based locally in Connecticut (New Haven area) and able to work on-site.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASCP Board Certification (or eligible / in training).
• Prior experience in biotech startups or small-scale laboratory environments.
• Enthusiasm for technology and ability to work across multiple software and data systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to adapt in a fast-growing organization

Why work at VO Health?

• Competitive salary with potential for equity participation upon milestone achievement. Opportunity to join a venture-backed, early-stage biotech at the ground floor.
• Access to BioLabs New Haven amenities: collaborative workspace, shared instrumentation, stocked kitchen, and on-site showers.
• Health insurance option available.

CLIA Eligibility

• Must meet the qualifications for Testing Personnel under 42 CFR §493.1489(b)(3).
• Experience in high-complexity testing environments is strongly preferred.
• Future opportunities for advancement to General Supervisor or Technical Supervisor roles as VO Health scales

VO Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.