Clinical Lab Scientist

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - San Francisco is seeking a qualified candidate for a Molecular Diagnostics position. Responsibilities include performing test procedures, operating laboratory equipment, and accurately transcribing and reporting test results. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Science degree, hold a California clinical license, and possess experience in molecular diagnostics. This role requires flexibility to work at various UCSF Medical Center locations, ensuring high standards of professionalism and accuracy in patient care.

Qualifications

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or Clinical Genetics Molecular Biologist license required.
• Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
• Recent clinical experience in molecular diagnostics laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests in Molecular Diagnostics and process specimens.
• Transcribe and report test results accurately.
• Operate laboratory equipment and maintain records efficiently.
• Maintain professional behavior and attendance.

Skills

PCR

qPCR

Capillary electrophoresis

Laboratory equipment operation

Manual and automated specimen processing

Education

Bachelor of Science degree

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Molecular platforms

Job description

Perform test procedures in Molecular Diagnostics. Responsible for pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes associated with specimen processing, test performance and reporting test results.

Perform isolation of DNA and RNA from human blood and bone marrow specimens using manual and automated techniques to set-up molecular assays and perform analysis of data. Experience with PCR, qPCR, capillary electrophoresis, and other molecular platforms is preferred.

Transcribe and report test results. Operate laboratory instrumentation and equipment to accurately generate test results.

Task A: Perform Molecular Diagnostic Procedures

• Perform all procedures listed in the Molecular Diagnostics procedure files.
• Complete required training and competency assessments within the assigned time frames.
• Learn and perform any new procedure within a reasonable time frame.
• Perform procedures in a manner that does not deviate from the SOPs; any deviation must be approved by supervisor or medical director prior to performing the test; questionable results should be reviewed by supervisor or medical director before sending any results.
• Perform procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Review and maintain procedural updates by checking posted and emailed updates, bench log book and reading & initialing all meeting notes.
• Integrate assigned tasks to complete assignments by the end of the work shift.
• Maintain a reasonable work speed to complete assignments by the end of the work shift; complete test procedures and transmit results within established TATs.
• Read and consult SOPs when problems or questions arise.
• Maintain a clean and neat work area and exercise proper care and precautions to protect oneself from health hazards.
• Wear a buttoned lab coat, gloves, and all other appropriate PPE at all times while performing tests.
• Sign and date worksheet each time a procedure is performed.
• Label worksheet with name of test procedure, if applicable.
• Work well without close or continual supervision.
• Accept a reasonable increase in workload when necessary or assigned by a supervisor.
• Repeat any test run when requested by a specialist and/or supervisor.
• Analyze designated quality control material with all procedures.
• Repeat any test run where controls are outside posted control ranges.
• Describe any test problem and document actions taken on the appropriate form or worksheet.
• Report questionable results and any quality control problems to specialist and/or supervisor.
• Record results of quality control and send control results to the computer.
• Perform special studies or projects when added to routine procedure run or when assigned separately.
• Take full responsibility for errors when committed, notify required personnel, and complete appropriate documentation.
• Label specimens, reagents, and analysis containers legibly and neatly with ink pen.
• Replenish supplies and prepare reagents as needed.
• Store and discard completed samples appropriately per each bench or test requirement.

Task B: Transcribe and Report Molecular Diagnostics Test Results

• Carefully review results before forwarding to the computer.
• Record/transcribe results legibly and initials worksheet neatly so all other lab personnel can read and interpret the results.
• Review results and validate on computer screen before releasing the results to the LIS.
• Record, transcribe, and send results to the computer correctly.
• Never alter patient test results after they have been released to the LIS except through accepted procedure with documentation.
• Consult unusual results with specialist, supervisor, and/or resident in a timely manner (if applicable).
• Call panic value results (if applicable) to unit or MD and enter appropriate English text code and documentation; notify resident of issues when calling result.

Task C: Operate Laboratory Equipment and Analytical Instruments

• Operate laboratory equipment and analytical instruments efficiently.
• Evaluate proper performance of equipment and notify supervisor of any malfunction.
• Initiate troubleshooting and work with supervisor/specialist when a malfunction occurs.
• Never modify or alter equipment without consulting supervisor/specialist.
• Perform equipment and instrument maintenance as assigned or instructed; sign and date log sheets after performing maintenance.
• Operate equipment and instrumentation without close or continual supervision.
• Notify first available supervisor or specialist of malfunction; if none on site and instrument cannot be used until repaired, call tech-support for earliest service arrangement.
• Record malfunction and corrective action in instrument problem log; notify supervisor, specialist, and/or bench staff of pending service calls.
• Maintain a reasonable work speed and integrate instrumental parameters to complete work assignment before end of work shift.

Task D: Maintain Cooperative Behavior and Attendance

• Consult bulletin board daily for notices and announcements.
• Inform specialist or supervisor when work is completed.
• Inform specialist or supervisor as early as possible if assigned work cannot be completed by end of shift.
• Inform supervisor of any problems relating to work area.
• Consult posted weekday work rotation schedule and weekend work schedule daily.
• Accept daily job rotation reassignment when necessary.
• Respond professionally to a reasonable request from supervisor.
• Behave in a professional manner with hospital personnel, visitors, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Take only allotted time on lunch and breaks.
• Report to work on time and do not leave before end of shift without permission from supervisor.
• Cooperate with co-workers.
• Notify relevant Molecular Diagnostics personnel of absenteeism or lateness at least 15 minutes before shift starts.
• Maintain neat and clean dress appearance reflecting professionalism.
• Manage stressful laboratory situations with minimal disruption to testing and minimal distraction to workers.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures established in the Clinical Laboratory Personnel Policies.

Required Qualifications

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or Clinical Genetics Molecular Biologist license.
• Bachelor of Science degree.
• Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent clinical experience in molecular diagnostics laboratory.
• Previous experience in high-volume clinical laboratory testing.
• Experience with current automation used in the Molecular Diagnostics section.

Required Licenses / Certifications

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or Clinical Genetics Molecular Biologist (CGMBS) license.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.