Clinical Lab Scientist

CommonSpirit Health; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CommonSpirit Health’s Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, California is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist to perform complex laboratory tests across multiple disciplines, ensuring accurate and timely results for patient care.

You will operate and maintain instruments, conduct quality control, and interpret data to support clinical decisions. The role requires strong scientific foundation, attention to detail, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• California Clinical Lab Scientist license or eligibility
• Must be able to speak, read and write English

Responsibilities

• Perform complex laboratory tests across hematology, chemistry, microbiology and other disciplines.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and systems.
• Perform quality control and validate results for clinical decisions.
• Analyze specimens and interpret results to support patient diagnosis and treatment.
• Contribute to teaching programs for CLS students and MLT students.
• Comply with safety, regulatory, and workplace policies.

Skills

Lab skills

English

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Clinical Lab Scientist, you will be a critical diagnostic expert, performing complex laboratory tests to ensure accurate, timely results vital for patient diagnosis and treatment.

Every day, you will execute a wide range of analytical procedures across various lab disciplines (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, etc.). You'll analyze specimens, operate/maintain instruments, interpret results, and conduct quality control, providing crucial data for clinical decisions.

To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate a strong scientific foundation, advanced technical proficiency, exceptional problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Your paramount commitment will be to accuracy and regulatory adherence.

• Interacts with physician, nurses, ward clerks, phlebotomists, other clinical laboratory scientists and other health care professionals in the resolution of problems involving patient specimen collection and handling, appropriateness of specimens, clarification of orders and result reporting.
• Consults with Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Laboratory Supervisors, Administrative Director of Laboratory Services, Medical Director of Laboratory Services, or Pathologists for policy clarification and problem resolution.
• Operates lab computer system according to manuals in each department.
• Familiarity and compliance with general laboratory safety practices, MSDS guidelines, State of California regulations and requirements, OSHA standards, CDC recommendation and universal precautions.
• Participates in the clinical laboratory scientist teaching program to assist in the training of Clinical Laboratory Scientist students, MLT students, or other established programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• CA Clinical Lab Scientist
• Must have the ability to speak, read and write English

Preferred Skills

• One year acute care hospital experience preferred
• Above average communication and organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to workload demands and function efficiently during difficult or emergency situations
• Ability to maintain and operate laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with medical terminology, basic computer terminology and data entry skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• American Society Clinical Path (CT ASCP)

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital is a 229-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including Level II NICU, cancer care, women's health, and orthopedics. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Downtown & Mercy Hospital Southwest have been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. They are both Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. Mercy Hospital Downtown offers the only inpatient Oncology Unit in Bakersfield while Mercy Hospital Southwest has the only Obstetric Emergency Department in Bakersfield.

One Community. One Mission. One California