Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

Location: Fortuna, CA 95540
Schedule: Night Shift | 4×10-Hour Shifts | 8:00 PM–6:00 AM

Weekly Pay: $2,000–$2,400

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to perform comprehensive generalist laboratory testing across multiple laboratory disciplines. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Blood Bank, Urinalysis, Immunology/Serology, and limited Microbiology/Molecular testing.

The CLS will work independently on the night shift and may serve as the sole Clinical Laboratory Scientist on duty, requiring strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and resolve testing issues independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform generalist clinical laboratory testing across:
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology/Coagulation
  • Blood Bank
  • Urinalysis
  • Immunology/Serology
  • Limited Microbiology
• Perform blood bank procedures including Type & Screen, ABO/Rh, antibody screening and identification, DAT, crossmatching, and transfusion reaction investigations.
• Process, prepare, accession, collect, label, handle, and transport specimens according to established laboratory protocols.
• Perform microbiology and molecular testing, including Gram stains, PCR testing, rapid infectious-disease testing, and wet preparations.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot laboratory analyzers and equipment.
• Perform and document required quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities.
• Review test results for accuracy and report results in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Identify and resolve specimen, testing, instrument, and result-related issues.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Follow laboratory safety, regulatory, infection-control, and quality standards.
• Work independently during the night shift and exercise appropriate professional judgment when handling laboratory issues.
• Communicate critical or abnormal results to appropriate clinical personnel.
• Perform other laboratory duties as assigned.

Required Technical Skills

Chemistry

• Immunoassay
• Cardiac enzymes
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) testing
• Thyroid testing
• Therapeutic drug monitoring
• Quality control review

Hematology & Coagulation

• CBC
• Manual differentials
• Platelet counts
• Fibrinogen testing
• Reticulocyte counts
• Routine coagulation testing

Blood Bank

• ABO/Rh testing
• Antibody screening and identification
• AHG/PEG crossmatching
• Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)
• Electronic and immediate-spin crossmatching
• Transfusion reaction workups

Microbiology & Molecular

• Gram staining
• PCR testing
• Rapid infectious-disease testing
• Wet preparations
• Limited microbiology testing

Specimen Processing

• Specimen accessioning
• Specimen receipt and preparation
• Specimen handling and labeling
• Pipetting
• Specimen collection
• Specimen transport
• Accurate result reporting

Laboratory Equipment

Experience with the following equipment is preferred:

• Siemens Vista/Dimension
• Sysmex XN-500
• Radiometer ABL90
• Stago Compact Max
• Clinitek Advantus
• BioFire
• Roche LIAT

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of clinical laboratory experience.
• Strong generalist laboratory experience across multiple laboratory disciplines.
• Previous experience with Blood Bank testing.
• Ability to work independently on a night shift.
• Strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to laboratory quality and patient safety.

Education & Licensure

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or equivalent laboratory education required for CLS qualification.
• Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) License – Required.
• ASCP, ASCP-MT, or ASCP-MLS certification accepted.