Clin. Lab. Scientist Specialist, OB/GYN, Per Diem - 140282

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 117,000; Part time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Clin Lab Scientist Specialist for the OB/GYN & Reproductive Sciences department. The role is a per diem position performing standard and complex clinical assays in a CLIA/CAP approved lab, with duties including policy updates, reporting, and quality control.

The incumbent will work under supervision in the UCSD Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, handling high-throughput testing workflows and contributing to COVID-19 related diagnostics.

Qualifications

• Current State of California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License.
• Experience operating lab equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, electrophoresis equipment.
• Experience with DNA/RNA isolation, RTPCR and qPCR.
• Knowledge of clinical lab procedures and quality control.
• Proficiency with PC software (Word, Excel) and data analysis.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials and follow safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Write, review, and update SOPs in line with California, CLIA, and CAP guidelines.
• Ensure work is completed and reported accurately.
• Maintain quality control and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Lab equipment operation

DNA/RNA isolation

qPCR/RT-PCR

Safety compliance

Data analysis

Education

California CLS license

Tools

LIS software

Job description

Payroll Title

CLIN LAB SCI SPEC PD

Department

OB/GYN & REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES

Hiring Pay Scale

$74.27 / Hour

Worksite

Campus

Appointment Type

Per Diem

Appointment Percent

20%

Union

HX Contract

Total Openings

5

Work Schedule

Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Variable

#140282 Clin. Lab. Scientist Specialist, OB/GYN, Per Diem

Extended Deadline: Wed 9/30/2026

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Description

The UCSD EXCITE Laboratory was established as a part of the UCSD Biochemical Genetics Laboratory as a collaboration between the Departments of Pediatrics, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology for rapid translation of technologies developed by UCSD research laboratories into clinical diagnostics. Current priorities include high-throughput clinical testing for COVID-19 using a highly automated workflow.

The incumbent will work in the UCSD Biochemical Genetics Laboratory which is a California Licensed, CLIA and CAP approved Clinical Laboratory. The Biochemical Genetics Lab is an independent reference laboratory that performs clinical tests for pediatric metabolic disorders, as well as clinical testing related to COVID-19.

Under general supervision, the incumbent is assigned technical responsibility and oversight for technologists performing a variety of standard and/or complex clinical assays performed using semi-automated workflows, at a rate of up to 10,000 assays/day.

The Incumbent Will

• Write, review, and update policies and procedures (SOP’s) in accordance with State of California, CLIA and CAP guidelines.
• Determine that work is properly completed and reported
• Maintain and monitor the quality control of procedures in compliance with departmental policies and CLIA/CAP regulatory requirements
• Maintain quality improvement data and statistics.
• Keep superiors regularly informed of personnel performance or problems, scheduling problems, difficulties with procedures, equipment, supplies or other daily activities.
• Develop and maintain appropriate inventory of supplies to ensure smooth operation.
• Train new and existing employees on procedural changes, policy changes and general information.
• Ensure that instrument preventive maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shooting are properly performed.
• Provide input to the Lab Director and the Director of Medical Services on laboratory operation.
• Introduce new procedures or methodologies in-house. Participate in method updates and validation.
• Perform trouble-shooting and minor equipment maintenance
• Prepare and process specimens for lab testing.
• Perform and evaluate laboratory tests based on nucleic and protein detection and quantification.
• Use, maintain and upgrade laboratory information systems as needed.
• Generate worksheets and reports.

Throughout these tasks, the incumbent will follow guidelines to ensure continued State and CLIA Licensure for the lab.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current State of California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (CLS).
• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Demonstrated experience with DNA and RNA isolation, RTPCR and qPCR.
• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures and requirements such as quality control.
• Proficient with the operation of PC's and associated software, including Word, Excel, etc. Demonstrated ability to work with and learn new software for data-analysis.
• Ability and willingness to handle and work with human biospecimens and other bio-hazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic materials, and to recognize safety problems. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Bio-hazardous Material Guidelines.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.
• Demonstrated experience in keeping accurate and well-organized lab records, lab notebook and computer data files.
• Demonstrated skill in setting up and modifying published assay procedures.
• Detailed knowledge of nucleic acid purification and isolation.
• Detailed knowledge of molecular biology necessary to perform nucleic acid analyses.
• Prior experience and demonstrated organizational skills in the order/maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.
• Superb oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience working as a licensed Clinical Lab Scientist for high complexity testing.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $162,822 - $162,822 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $77.98 - $77.98

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace