Clinical Laboratory Scientist I & Clinical Laboratory Scientist III

Our client, a leading diagnostics company, is focused on advancing women’s health through next-generation molecular diagnostic testing. They are building a state-of-the-art CLIA certified molecular laboratory that integrates advanced automation, digital LIMS platforms, and data-driven quality systems to deliver accurate, efficient, and scalable testing.

This job posting is for two distinct on-site roles within the CLIA Lab Operations team: (1) Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) I and (2) Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) III. Please indicate which role you are applying to as part of your application.

Open Position 1: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) I

Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) I

Location: Daly City, CA

Reports to: Sr. Director, Laboratory Operations

Department: CLIA Lab Operations

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

About This Opportunity

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) I, you will perform high-complexity molecular testing while helping to establish and sustain the client’s CLIA laboratory operations. This is a unique opportunity to join the ground floor of a rapidly growing organization and play a critical role in both daily operations and laboratory build-out activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine molecular testing and specimen processing in accordance with SOPs and applicable CLIA and state regulations.
• Assist with daily lab operations, including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Monitor test systems and report deviations to senior staff; assist with documentation of corrective actions.
• Support assay validation and tech transfer activities for new molecular assays and instruments under supervision.
• May be delegated oversight of laboratory technologists as experience and competency develop.
• Participate in quality control and quality assurance activities and maintain accurate records to support regulatory readiness.
• Help draft and review SOPs and other lab documentation.
• Conduct reagent qualification and lot-to-lot verification.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Project Management teams to support lab workflows.
• Participate in training and competency assessments of other technologists.
• Participate in lab build-out planning, workflow optimization, and automation integration.
• Maintain appropriate lab supplies and inventory.
• Maintain a safe work environment, adhering to PPE and safety protocols.
• Participate in continuing education.
• May perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, or biological science, or equivalent that meets CLIA & CA requirements.
• Current CA CLS Generalist or CGMBS License required.
• 1 years of CLS experience in a molecular and/or high-complexity laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and NGS.
• Familiarity with liquid-handling automation.
• Self-starter and dynamic team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• High attention to detail with strong communication and organizational skills.
• Must pass a standardized color vision screen.
• Flexibility to work overtime or other shifts depending on business needs.
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a startup lab environment.
• Experience with CLIA, CAP, and state inspections, including audit preparation and compliance support.
• Experience working with a broad set of laboratory instruments.
• Familiarity with Kaizen or Lean principles for continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to train technical staff.

The Compensation Range for this position [Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) I] is: $50 - $60/hour. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.

Open Position 2: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) III

Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) III

Location: Daly City, CA

Reports to: Sr. Director, Laboratory Operations

Department: CLIA Lab Operations

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

About This Opportunity

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) III, you will perform high-complexity molecular testing while helping to establish and sustain the client’s CLIA laboratory operations. This is a unique opportunity to join the ground floor of a rapidly growing organization and play a critical role in daily lab operations, cross-functional collaboration, and laboratory build-out activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical laboratory technicians and support day-to-day operations, scheduling, and troubleshooting (in accordance with CLIA and state regulations).
• Perform specimen handling, processing, testing, and documentation in accordance with SOPs and CLIA and state regulations.
• Monitor test systems for deviations and ensure timely corrective actions and documentation.
• In preparation for CLIA certification, may assume General Supervisor responsibilities, as delegated by lab leadership.
• Assist with assay validation and technology transfer for new molecular assays and instruments.
• Contribute to quality control and assurance activities to maintain data integrity and regulatory readiness.
• Participate in drafting and reviewing SOPs and quality documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Project Management teams to ensure efficient laboratory operations and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments; prepare reagents and track performance documentation.
• Conduct reagent qualification, lot-to-lot verification, and maintain traceability and quality documentation.
• Train and assess competency of laboratory personnel; may act as designee in the absence of supervisor.
• Participate in lab build-out planning, workflow optimization, and automation integration.
• Maintain appropriate lab supplies and inventory.
• Maintain a safe work environment, adhering to PPE and safety protocols.
• Participate in continuing education.
• May perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, or biological science, or equivalent that meets CLIA & CA requirements.
• Current CA CLS Generalist or CGMBS License required.
• 4 years of CLS experience in a molecular and/or high-complexity laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and NGS.
• Familiarity with liquid-handling automation.
• Self-starter and dynamic team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• High attention to detail with strong communication and organizational skills.
• Must pass a standardized color vision screen.
• Flexibility to work overtime or other shifts depending on business needs.
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior CLIA General Supervisor experience.
• Experience in a startup lab environment.
• Experience with CLIA, CAP, and state inspections, including audit preparation and compliance support.
• Experience working with a broad set of laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of Kaizen or Lean principles for continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to train and mentor technical staff.

The Compensation Range for this position [Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) III] is: $70 - $85/hour. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.