Specialist, Quality Assurance III (CLS Licensed)

Quest Diagnostics; Maryland; On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

FSAs

401(k) match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness programs

Educational assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics in Maryland is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist III to provide strategic governance of Quality Management programs, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This senior‑level specialist acts as a quality contact, coordinates external and internal audits, and leads root‑cause analyses and CAPAs with remediation plans.

The position is hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days from home) with a pay range of $115,000–$130,000 per year plus a 5% bonus, and a comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and CLIA '88 high‑complexity testing requirements.
• Active California CLS license required at hire.
• ASCP (MLS/MT) certification required.
• 8+ years clinical lab experience with QA/compliance.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize quality indicators and risk matrices into trend analyses and risk assessments.
• Present summaries and strategic plans to executive committees.
• Governs and approves assigned performance reportables and non‑conformance follow‑ups.
• Oversees inspection readiness schedules, reviews audits, and leads non‑conformance audits.
• Lead CAPAs with remediation and effectiveness checks to improve quality systems.
• Mentor QA staff and design training curricula and compliance metrics.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Leadership

Project management

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Regulatory compliance

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Enterprise quality systems platforms

Job description

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Specialist III is an expert, high-level quality advisor and subject matter expert responsible for the strategic governance of the Quality Management programs, risk management, and regulatory compliance within Quest Diagnostics. This senior‑level specialist acts as a quality contact, coordinator for external and internal audits, and regulatory agency inquiries. The QA Specialist III leads root‑cause analyses for quality occurrences, works with key individuals to execute root cause analysis, corrective action/preventive action plans (CAPAs) with remediation protocols, conducts system‑wide gap analyses, and mentors other QA professionals to cultivate a robust culture of quality, safety, and compliance.

Work Schedule

Hybrid (3 days onsite/ 2 days work from Home)

Pay Range

$115,000 - $130,000/ year, 5% Bonus

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information

We are proud to offer best‑in‑class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part‑time or full‑time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Medical/Prescription Drugs
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Supplemental Health Plans
• 401(k) Plan – Company match dollar‑for‑dollar up to 5%
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability buy‑up
• Blueprint for Wellness
• Emotional Well‑Being Resources
• Educational Assistance
• Paid time off / Health Time

Responsibilities

Strategic Quality Management

• Synthesizes complex quality indicators, audit outcomes, and compliance gaps into high‑impact trend analyses and risk matrices.
• Presents summaries and strategic plans to executive committees.
• Governs and approves assigned performance reportables and other non‑conformance follow‑ups per policy.

Compliance & Audit Management

• Oversees inspection readiness schedules, reviews audits, and leads complex non‑conformance audits.
• Primary host/liaison for sponsor audits, partner evaluations, and major regulatory inspections.
• Finalizes and directs Lab Director changes, biennial report approvals, and regulatory submissions.
• Governs PT investigation processes and other laboratory compliance processes as assigned. Oversees inspection readiness schedules, reviews audits, and leads complex non‑conformance audits.
• Primary host/liaison for sponsor audits, partner evaluations, and major regulatory inspections.
• Finalizes and directs Lab Director changes, biennial report approvals, and regulatory submissions.
• Governs PT investigation processes and other laboratory compliance processes as assigned.

Continuous Improvement

• Directs, oversees, and finalizes investigations for systemic, critical, or large‑scale quality events and RQIs.
• Designs and executes patient‑impact reviews, immediate remediation, and long‑term CAPAs with effectiveness checks.
• Delivers presentations; trains staff on accreditation‑required processes and reviews systemic QI.

Quality Systems Oversight

• System‑wide administrator for regional document control software; authors/approves general QA SOPs and rolls out SOPs system‑wide.
• Establishes systemic PT oversight, maintains the alternative proficiency testing list, reviews PT folders, and resolves complex inquiries.
• Reviews technical validations/verifications and end‑to‑end testing.
• Mentors other QA staff; designs QA training curricula and compliance metrics.
• Supports government agency reporting as needed.

Other duties

• Other duties as assigned to meet business needs. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
• May provide oversight/lead other employees

Qualifications

Required Work Experience

8+ years of clinical lab experience, with 3+ years in QA/compliance.

Preferred Work Experience

5+ years of dedicated laboratory Quality Assurance experience, showing a progressive trajectory of responsibility and leadership.

Physical And Mental Requirements

Primarily an office‑based position requiring extensive screen time, report generation, and meeting leadership. Ability to walk and stand in laboratory environments during audit processes. Occasional lifting, up to 20 lbs.

Knowledge

• Excellent working knowledge of laboratory regulations and standards (i.e., CMS, CAP, CLIA) and the accreditation processes.
• Strong working proficiency in Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
• Advanced proficiency in administering enterprise quality systems platforms
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Skills

• Detail‑oriented.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Effective verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills; strong writing and composition skills required to draft executive reports and official agency correspondence.
• Ability to track and closely monitor records management.
• Proven leadership and consultation skills; ability to influence, guide, and collaborate effectively with Medical Directors, Lab Executives, and external clients.
• Exceptional project management, analytical, problem‑solving, change‑management, and relationship‑management skills.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training or experience is highly desirable.
• May include people leader responsibilities (Non‑Exempt QA Direct reports such as Dept QA Reps)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science from an accredited institution. Must meet CLIA '88 educational requirements for high‑complexity testing.

Licensure

Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) License (Generalist) or a California State Limited License in the applicable specialty is strictly required at the time of hire.

Professional Certification

ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification (MLS/MT) or an equivalent national certification is required.

About The Team

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

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