Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Kaiser Permanente; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA is hiring a Laboratory Scientist to perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical duties that support patient care, diagnoses, and treatment. You will work under the Laboratory Director’s direction, ensuring accurate testing and data quality.

The role involves handling specimens, performing analyses, validating results against reference ranges, maintaining equipment, and training junior staff.

Qualifications

• Six months related laboratory experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Clinical Lab Sciences or related field (or equivalent military experience).
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California) required.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, memos, and brief correspondence.
• Willingness to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.

Responsibilities

• Verifies correct specimen and test for each patient.
• Analyzes specimens and performs quality control to ensure data accuracy.
• Uses reference ranges to validate results and confirms all critical values.
• Performs routine instrument maintenance and calibration and documents activity.
• Records repairs and maintenance, releases results per SOP, and trains lab assistants.
• Supervises Lab Assistants and clerical staff as required by lab regulations.

Skills

Quality control processes

Specimen handling

Instrument calibration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Clinical Lab Sciences or related field

Job description

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Laboratory Director, or their designee, performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical procedures and analyses to provide data for health maintenance, diagnoses, treatment and monitoring of medical conditions. Enhances quality of patient care and service through interdepartmental cooperation and quality assurance protocols.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Correctly verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the correct patients and that the correct test is being performed. Judges the adequacy and qualities of specimens submitted for testing.
• Analyzes clinical laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures approved by the Laboratory Director or designee. Performs quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data.
• Utilizes test reference ranges (including neonates, pediatric and adult) to determine reasonableness of test results. Validates test results through correlation with test parameters (e.g. Hgb/Hct, anion gap, platelet count/smear, dipstick/micro etc.). Confirms testing on all Critical Values to ensure accuracy prior to releasing of test results.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on assigned instruments and equipment according to established schedule and procedure. Performs and documents instrument function by checking and calibrating specific lab instruments and documents data.
• Records on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment. Releases or reports results per Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures. Trains laboratory assistants on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practice. Performs other related duties as necessary.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides general or direct supervision of Lab Assistants and general Clerical Personnel as required according to lab law and regulations. Corporate Compliance Accountability: Consistently supports the precepts of Corporate Compliance and Principles of Responsibility by maintaining confidentiality, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with integrity, reporting observed fraud and abuse and complying with applicable state, federal and local laws and program policies and procedures.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Six months related experience required.

Education

• Bachelors Degree * Applicable military experience may be substituted for bachelors degree.
• Baccalaureate degree in Clinical Lab Sciences or related field.

License, Certification, Registration

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California)

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other incumbents of the organization.
• Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
• Also refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience including Hematology, Urinalysis, Chemistry, Blood Bank and Bacteriology experience preferred. Computer application experience/proficiency preferred.