Clinical Lab Scientist I - Immunology

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 77,751; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental & vision

Annual, no-cost health assessment program

401(k) with company match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Continuing education opportunities

Job summary

A leading clinical laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, CA, seeks a Clinical Lab Scientist I. This role involves performing complex tests and evaluations, ensuring adherence to procedures while supervising unlicensed staff. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related sciences and a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if required. Benefits include competitive pay, a sign-on bonus, and comprehensive healthcare plans.

Qualifications

• Required at least a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or a related field.
• Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting.
• Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform moderate to highly complex clinical tests following required procedures.
• Evaluate newly introduced tests and reagents.
• Communicate effectively with staff and customers.
• Supervise and train unlicensed staff on routine and complex procedures.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Strong typing skills

Other automation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or other life or physical sciences

Job description

Clinical Lab Scientist I – San Juan Capistrano, CA

Sign On Bonus Available (For Externals Only)

Work Schedule: Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Pay range: $40.00 - $56.44 / hour; shift differential 10% second shift, 15% third shift. Annual performance bonus may be available.

Benefits

We are proud to offer best‑in‑class benefits and programs to support employees and their families.

• Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees working 30+ hours
• Best‑in‑class well‑being programs
• Annual, no‑cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness
• healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 “MyDay” off
• FinFit financial coaching and services
• 401(k) pre‑tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life and disability insurance, plus buy‑up option
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Annual incentive plans
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities
• and so much more!

Responsibilities

• Independently perform moderate to highly complex clinical tests following required procedures and policies.
• Perform and evaluate newly introduced tests and reagents.
• Prepare and oversee preparations of reagents, media, stock solutions, standards and controls.
• Determine acceptability of specimens according to established criteria.
• Calculate results using manual or computerized procedures and accurately enter them.
• Monitor computer review reports to ensure accurate reporting and adherence to analytical schedules.
• Evaluate routine and complex analyses prior to releasing patient reports and respond appropriately to critical values.
• Maintain preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Perform instrument performance checks, linearity, accuracy and precision checks.
• Execute Quality Control and calibrations with appropriate frequency, evaluating results for release.
• Select and evaluate control materials; initiate corrective action when tests deviate from established criteria.
• Accurately perform and record proficiency testing.
• Detect and correct technical and operational problems; notify supervisor and contact support if necessary.
• Track and label reagents and supplies accurately.
• Maintain a safe and neat work area.
• Communicate effectively with staff, manager, suppliers, customers via meetings, written and verbal interactions.
• Participate in staff meetings and Quality Improvement meetings as assigned.
• Take on additional business‑related responsibilities or projects delegated by the supervisor or manager.
• Follow all required procedures for safety, environmental, and infection control.
• Collect and dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
• Maintain integrity and confidentiality.
• Supervise and train unlicensed staff on routine and complex procedures; support training programs.
• Maintain professional growth through continuing education that meets California state licensure requirements.
• Answer phones and take accurate messages.
• Comply with all health and safety policies; use personal protective equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Work Experience

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

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Lifting and carrying: 1‑10 lb frequently; 11‑25 lb occasionally; 26‑50 lb seldom; no lifting over 50 lb without assistance.
• Perform repetitive tasks, fine manipulation, frequent grasping and reaching.
• Sit and/or stand for long periods.
• Good eye‑hand coordination.
• Color blindness testing required upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring color detection.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong typing skills desirable.
• Other automation skills helpful.

Education

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

Licenses and Certifications

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

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

Quest believes that conviction records may directly and adversely affect duties involving access to company property, sensitive information, customer data, and supervision.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.