Part-Time Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CCDL)

University of California, Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 58,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

UC Santa Cruz is seeking a part-time, 50% time CLS lab specialist to perform high-complexity molecular diagnostics at the Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory (CCDL) located at 2300 Delaware Avenue, Westside Research Park. The role involves 20 hours per week with salary budgeted at $42.63–$50.96 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities include performing diagnostic tests, assay development, QA/QC, and collaboration with clinicians.

Qualifications

• California CLS license in good standing.
• Molecular biology lab experience including PCR, nucleic acid extraction.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and PPE.
• Proficiency with LIS, EMR, and spreadsheets.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to work with clinicians with minimal supervision.
• Strong organization and time management.
• Able to travel to multiple locations.
• Preferred: RNA experience.
• Preferred: Illumina sequencing experience.
• Preferred: Secure data transfer workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-house diagnostic tests and validate assays.
• Discuss procedures with clinicians for diagnosis.
• Explain test procedures to patients when requested.
• Maintain LIS data entry and logs for testing.
• Monitor inventories and initiate orders.
• Perform QC per CAP/CLIA and maintain records.
• Analyze results and summarize validation experiments.
• Support long-range planning and safety compliance.

Skills

Clinical Laboratory Scientist license

Molecular biology experience

PPE & biosafety knowledge

LIS proficiency

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Travel up to 25%

Tools

LIS system

Electronic medical records

PCR techniques

Illumina sequencing

Job description

NOTIFICATIONSTravel will be between 2300 Delaware Building C1 and main campus to bring supplies.

JOB POSTINGNOTIFICATIONSTravel will be between 2300 Delaware Building C1 and main campus to bring supplies.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD) UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link. 01/06/2025

About Uc Santa Cruz UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview A broad spectrum of cutting-edge research tools are being employed to tackle problems in key areas that include: the structural and functional role of RNA in regulation of gene expression; chromatin biology and epigenetic control of genes; the cell biology of the cytoskeleton and the cell cycle; decisions controlling embryogenesis and organ development; and developmental neurobiology. The insights generated by this basic research enable new strategies for treatments of aging disorders, birth defects, neurological diseases, cancer, and other human ailments. The MCD Biology department offers a spectrum of courses that reflect the exciting new developments and directions in these fields and trains students to participate in these exciting fields.

More information can be found at: https://molecular-diagnostics-lab.ucsc.edu/

Job Summary The CLS performs high-complexity molecular diagnostics for the Treehouse CARE assay (Illumina RNA sequencing). Work follows validated SOPs, the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and all applicable regulations (CDPH, CLIA, CAP). The position is located at 2300 Delaware Avenue (Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory). Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory (CCDL) is a high-complexity molecular genetic laboratory, which currently performs the Treehouse CARE assay (RNA sequencing test for children with cancer and other genetic diseases).

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $42.63 - $50.96/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility

Core benefits

Schedule Information

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per week
• Days of the Week: Monday to Friday, schedule to be discussed with supervisor during interview
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification

Limited appointment

Job End Date

5 months from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location

Westside Research Park

Union Representation

HX Union

Job Code Classification

008939 (CLIN LAB SCI SPEC)

Travel

Up to 25% of the time

Job Duties

40% - Performance of Diagnostic Tests and Assay Development

• Perform in-house testing with required quality controls and documentation.
• Perform validation experiments for new assays.
• Discuss procedures and technical results with clinicians as related to diagnosis.
• Explain test procedures to patients when requested.
• Follow all precautions for blood-borne pathogens.

25% - Laboratory Operations Support

• Prepare and maintain laboratory forms, logs, and records.
• Monitor inventories and initiate orders.
• Perform and document daily equipment and temperature checks.
• Make minor equipment repairs and coordinate vendor service as needed.
• Serve as alternate liaison with California State Lab field personnel, CLIA and CAP personnel, vendors, campus purchasing, and reference laboratories.
• Serve as alternate point of contact for test pricing and contract discussions with reference labs and collaborators.

20% - Quality Control and Compliance

• Perform quality control for all testing in accordance with Federal and State regulations and CAP.
• Follow up on abnormal in-house results and discuss options with staff and clinicians.
• Meet performance standards for external evaluations and proficiency testing programs.

10% - Results, Statistics, and Billing

• Enter and verify results in the Laboratory Information System.
• Analyze and summarize results from validation experiments.
• Maintain required logs and statistics for in-house and reference testing.

5% - Miscellaneous

• Participate in long-range planning and special projects.
• Help manage biological and hazardous waste storage and collection per regulations and campus requirements.
• Route laboratory mail to appropriate personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license (generalist CLS or limited Clinical Genetic and Biology Molecular Scientist (CGMBS) in good standing
• Prior molecular biology laboratory experience (PCR, nucleic acid extraction, electrophoresis).
• Knowledge of universal precautions, blood-borne pathogen standards, and appropriate PPE.
• Proficiency with LIS, electronic medical records, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to properly and safely use laboratory and safety equipment.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clinicians and staff with minimal supervision.
• Strong organization and time management skills, ability to prioritize high-volume workloads with frequent interruptions.
• Discretion and tact in handling difficult, sensitive, and confidential situations.
• Excellent listening skills and a positive, cooperative approach with staff, patients, and families.
• Excellent oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with RNA.
• Illumina sequencing experience.
• Experience with secure cloud data transfer or analysis workflows.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility (HIPAA) training within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy