Research Associate

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Able to analyze and priorities work duties.
• Able to identify and solve technical problems and difficulties during routine testing.
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed, approval of appropriate technical coordinator.
• Assists in developing a recording system to ensure that necessary controls in the work steps are documented.
• Assists in developing and installing quality control standards to assure accuracy in test results.
• Assists in training and orienting new employees and students.
• Assists the section supervisor in reviewing and solving quality control problems.
• Assumes the role of a section supervisor when required.
• Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant or director; and
• Contributes to a safe, organized and efficient workplace by complying with established hospital and departmental policies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of theory behind the tests being performed. Requires a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience, and technical abilities.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Each individual performing high complexity testing.
• Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory.
• Ensures professional development by assuming responsibility and accountability for current competency, licensure and credentialing files.
• Ensures that Staff Clinical Laboratory Technicians and other trainees are prepared for their responsibilities by providing objectives, instruction and guidance as appropriate.
• Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Fosters continued improvement in the quality of patient care by actively evaluating current work systems and suggesting or supporting positive changes.
• Initiates, suggests, and if necessary, implements technical and administrative changes upon approval of appropriate technical coordinator.
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.
• May assist the section supervisor in preparing and writing procedure manuals.
• May calibrate instruments and assess the accuracy of the equipment; may perform first line preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment including optical, electronic and mechanical apparatus and may institute necessary service, in the absence of the section or shift supervisor, or as required by the supervisor.
• May review all outgoing reports for technical and clerical errors as requested. Notifies the technical coordinator when supplies are at a low level.
• Performs all routine and new test procedures which are complex and require professional judgment when assigned to a specific work area.
• Performs patient responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient's age.
• Performs phlebotomy or assistance in the front office as necessary.
• Promotes an atmosphere of professionalism and cooperation by interacting with others in a calm, courteous and helpful manner.
• Provides accurate and timely test results by performing assigned tests in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• Reads the results of tests and examinations and interprets them in terms of the quality of the test performed and definitiveness of the results as they relate to each other and to different age groups.
• Recognized the administrative changes in staffing and scheduling and adapted to these changes.
• Recognizes departures from a norm (for different age groups) and be able to understand the scientific and theoretical reasons for such deviation
• Responds to the needs of the department and hospital by performing other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

Minimum (Required)

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related field

Preferred (Not Required)

Work Experience

Minimum (Required)

Microbiology experience, preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

Minimum (Required)

Valid State of California license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Preferred (Not Required)

Pay Transparency

The hourly salary rate range for this position is $50.76 - $68.22. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California Arcadia Hospital considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, State, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

POSITION SUMMARY The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing of biological specimens that involves the application of a variety of appropriate professional knowledge. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is under the direct supervision of the section Technical Coordinator and is ultimately responsible to the Director of Laboratory Services. The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance, and for reporting test results.

Job ID REQ20171305 Posted Date 01/23/2026

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