Clinical Laboratory Scientist IV

Davita Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company seeks a Clinical Laboratory Scientist IV to utilize a highly automated testing platform. This position involves performing complex testing, mentoring staff, and collaborating on instrument development. Candidates must hold a California CLS license and possess significant clinical lab experience, particularly in high complexity laboratory environments.

Qualifications

• Current Clinical Laboratory Scientist license required.
• Minimum 4 years clinical lab experience after licensure.
• Experience in high complexity testing and molecular biology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity testing with minimal supervision.
• Mentor unlicensed lab personnel.
• Ensure adherence to quality control policies.

Skills

Independent Judgment

Quality Control

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

BS, BA, or MS in a relevant field

Job description

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) IV position works with our highly automated testing platform to process patient samples. Our CLS staff use their training, experience, and judgment to ensure all patient samples are processed according to the highest standards of quality and accuracy. The CLS IV position functions as a mentor and guide for our unlicensed Production Laboratory Scientists and CGMBS Trainees. The CLS IV position also assists our assay and hardware development teams with development and validation of new instruments and assays.

Responsibilities

1. Performing high-complexity testing that requires the exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, with minimal supervision by the laboratory director or general supervisor, in only those specialties or sub-specialties in which they are qualified by education, training, and experience.
2. Interacting and communicating with non-laboratory staff to ensure an efficient workflow.
3. Following the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of test examinations.
4. Adhering to the laboratory's quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
5. Identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correcting the problems or immediately notifying the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or laboratory director.
6. Documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
7. Performing high-complexity testing only under the on-site supervision of a general supervisor (exception: lead clinical laboratory scientists possessing the qualifications and training of the general supervisor are authorized to perform the duties of the general supervisor, when no general supervisor is present).
8. Providing supervision to CLIA laboratory personnel.
9. Assisting the Technical Supervisor in method verification studies and validation of Laboratory Developed Tests. Participating in the continuous quality improvement process.

Qualifications

• A current California state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license to perform laboratory testing is required.
• A BS, BA, or MS degree in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution.
• The following years of pertinent clinical lab experience obtained after licensure:
• BA or BS graduates: 4 years total.
• MS graduate: 4 years total.
• For BA, BS, or MS graduates: At least 2 years in a high complexity testing clinical laboratory.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas, with the ability to rapidly become competent in others:
• Next generation sequencing
• Molecular biology
• DNA extraction
• PCR technology
• Experience in a molecular lab preferred.
• CGMBS preferred.
• Experience in CLIA regulated clinical labs, biotech, or similar working environments preferred.

Physical Requirements

Lifting Requirements - medium work or exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds consistently. Physical activities include stationary positioning, moving, operating equipment, ascending/descending, communicating, observing, reaching, and repetitive motions. Use of tools and equipment necessary to perform essential functions. Hazards include exposure to fumes, dust, extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, vibration, gases, mechanical, chemical, electrical hazards, and radiant energy. OSHA Category I - duties may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissues.

EEO Statement

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics including race, religion, gender, age, disability, and others. We provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices and disabilities.