Clinical Lab Scientist I

Quest Diagnostics; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics is hiring a Clinical Lab Scientist I in San Juan Capistrano, CA, responsible for performing clinical laboratory tests and ensuring accuracy and reliability. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology or a related field, a current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license, and up to three years of lab experience. The role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong typing skills, and adherence to safety and quality procedures. Join a team that values veterans and equal opportunity.

Qualifications

• Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting.
• Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if required (e.g., California).

Responsibilities

• Performs clinical laboratory tests independently, following required procedures.
• Prepares and oversees reagents, media, stock solutions, standards, and controls.
• Determines specimen acceptability for testing according to established criteria.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Strong typing skills

Automation skills helpful

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or other life/physical sciences

Job description

Job Description

Overview

Clinical Lab Scientist I - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Department: Special Chemistry - LCMSMS - Clinical Laboratory

Responsibilities

• Performs clinical laboratory tests independently, including newly introduced tests requiring defined skills, following required procedures and policies.
• Prepares and oversees reagents, media, stock solutions, standards, and controls; tests new reagents or controls and evaluates usefulness based on standard criteria.
• Determines specimen acceptability for testing according to established criteria.
• Calculates results using manual or computerized procedures and accurately enters results; monitors turnaround times.
• Evaluates routine and complex analyses before releasing patient reports; responds to critical values or unusual results and documents actions taken.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, calibrates laboratory equipment; performs instrument performance checks and quality control with appropriate frequency.
• Initiates corrective actions when test systems do not perform to established criteria and records proficiency testing.
• Ensures proper tracking and labeling of reagents and supplies; maintains a safe and orderly work area.
• Communicates effectively with staff, managers, suppliers, and customers; participates in staff and quality improvement meetings.
• Assists with training and supervising unlicensed staff as necessary and supports training programs.
• Contributes to development and evaluation of new techniques, procedure writing, productivity measures, and reference ranges as assigned.
• Follows all safety, environmental, and infection control procedures; uses personal protective equipment as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned and adheres to approved policies and procedures. This is not an exhaustive list of duties.

Qualifications

Required Work Experience:

• Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• The normal performance of duties may involve lifting 1 to 50 pounds; assistance required for objects over 50 pounds.
• Repetitive tasks with frequent grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation; ability to sit or stand for long periods; good hand-eye coordination.
• Color vision testing may be required for positions involving color-dependent tasks (e.g., certain microscopy readings).

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); strong typing skills; automation skills helpful.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or other life/physical sciences from an accredited college or university (Required).

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if required (e.g., California) (Required).

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, including local fair chance ordinances and the California Fair Chance Act.

Quest Diagnostics references include MLS, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Med Tech, Medical Technologist, CLS, Clinical Lab Scientist.

About The Team

Quest Diagnostics honors service members and encourages veterans to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.