Clinical Lab Scientist I - Immunology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Education assistance

Sign-on bonus ($5,000)

Job summary

A leading health diagnostics company located in San Juan Capistrano, CA, is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist I to perform moderate to highly complex laboratory testing. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology and a California license. Responsibilities include specimen analysis, equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, annual bonuses, and a $5,000 sign-on bonus are available.

Qualifications

• Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Must pass color blindness testing for specific functions.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs moderate to highly complex clinical tests following procedures.
• Evaluates acceptability of specimens for testing based on established criteria.
• Responsible for maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Strong typing skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Fine manipulation

Good eye and hand coordination

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or related field

Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license

Job description

Clinical Lab Scientist I

Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA

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

Department: Immunology

Pay Range: $40.00 - $56.44 / hour. Employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 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
• Sign On Bonus Available ($5,000) (For Externals Only)

This position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing, following all applicable policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs moderate to highly complex clinical tests following the required procedures and policies. Performs newly introduced tests that require defined skills.
• Prepares and oversees reagent or media preparations, stock solutions, standards, and controls. Tests new reagents or controls and evaluates their usefulness based on standard criteria.
• Determines acceptability of specimens for testing according to established criteria.
• Calculates results utilizing testing data by means of manual or computerized procedures.
• Accurately enters test results, checks computer review reports to monitor accurate reporting of laboratory results, and adheres to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround times.
• Evaluates acceptability of routine and complex analyses prior to releasing patient reports. Recognizes and takes appropriate action in response to critical values or unusual results, and documents action taken.
• Responsible for preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration of laboratory equipment. Evaluates instrument performance checks. Performs linearity, accuracy and precision checks as required.
• Performs Quality Control and calibrations at the appropriate frequency and evaluates the results to determine acceptability of result release.
• Selects and evaluates control materials using established criteria. Initiates a corrective action process whenever test systems do not perform according to the established criteria.
• Accurately performs and records proficiency testing.
• Detects and corrects technical and operational problems, notifying the supervisor and contacting manufacturer or field service support if necessary.
• Ensures accurate tracking and labeling of reagents and supplies.
• Consistently maintains a safe and neat work area.
• Demonstrates effective two‑way communication with staff, immediate manager, suppliers, internal and external customers via meetings, written and verbal interactions, to create an informed positive environment.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and Quality Improvement meetings as assigned.
• Takes on additional business‑related responsibilities or projects delegated by the Supervisor or Manager. This may include evaluation of new techniques and procedures, method comparison, cost analysis, establishment of reference ranges, writing and revising technical procedures, and evaluation of productivity and key results measures.
• Follows all required procedures, practices and related guidelines as provided in company policy for safety, environmental, and infection control.
• Collects and disposes of waste in proper receptacles.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
• Provides direct and constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary and trains staff in proper performance of both routine and complex procedures.
• Supports training programs where applicable.
• Maintains professional growth and development through continuing education. The continuing education must meet the education requirements for California state licensure.
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications

• Zero to three years of direct experience in a laboratory setting.
• Physical ability to lift 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom. Objects >50 pounds require assistance.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including frequent grasping, reaching, and fine manipulation.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
• Good eye and hand coordination.
• Color blindness testing required upon hiring for technical functions requiring color detection.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Strong typing skills desirable.
• Other automation skills helpful.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or other life or physical sciences from an accredited college or university.
• Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if required (e.g., California).

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, Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to duties such as accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information; and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other employees and interacting with customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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