(CLS) Clinical Lab Scientist - Clinical Lab - 141461

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health's Blood Bank/Transfusion Service seeks a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform pre-transfusion testing, compatibility testing, antibody identification, and related duties under supervision.

The position requires CLS licensure in California, with opportunities to participate in method validations, quality improvement, and staff training. Night shifts are required as of 09/17/2026, with weekends/holidays possible.

Qualifications

• Graduation from college with a major in a relevant field.
• California CLS license issued by the Department of Public Health.
• 2+ years of clinical laboratory experience required for the CLS Specialist level.
• Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-transfusion and compatibility testing.
• Inventory management, quality control, and instrument maintenance.
• Documentation and adherence to regulatory standards.

Skills

Pre-transfusion testing

Compatibility testing

Quality control

Laboratory testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SoftBank

Ortho Vision

Job description

This position has been changed from varying shifts to Night shifts as of 09/17/2026.

DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of a Senior Supervisor, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs a wide variety of technical procedures in the Blood Bank/Transfusion Service. Responsibilities include performing pre-transfusion testing, compatibility testing, antibody identification, direct antiglobulin testing, blood component selection and issuance, inventory management, quality control, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, specimen processing, reagent preparation, manufacturing of blood products, and documentation in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards. May participate in method validations, implementation of new procedures, quality improvement activities, and training of staff and students.

Independently prioritize workload and assess departmental needs, assisting coworkers as needed to ensure timely and safe patient care. Participate in the support of routine, urgent, massive transfusion, transplant, neonatal, and other specialized transfusion services. Work is assigned daily and reviewed by supervisory personnel or their designee.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists perform waived and non-waived testing, interpret and report laboratory results within the scope of their licensure, training, and demonstrated competency, while adhering to established policies, procedures, and quality standards. Must be available to work weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and other shifts as operationally required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from college with a major in a relevant field.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or appropriate sub-specialty license issued by the State of California, Department of Public Health.
• Previous clinical lab experience. Two (2) or more years of clinical laboratory experience required for the CLS Specialist level.
• Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree.
• SBB (Specialist in Blood Banking, ASCP) certification.
• Experience with blood bank information systems (e.g. SoftBank).
• Experience with Ortho Vision analyzer.
• Experience with product modification workflows.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $110,079 - $145,408 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $52.72 - $69.64

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).