Clinical Scientist II - C

Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

Location: Santa Rosa, CA

Duration: 04 Months

Role Summary

We are seeking a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to perform, review, and certify diagnostic laboratory testing in compliance with State of California and CLIA regulations. In this role, you will apply high-quality scientific techniques to validate test results, manage quality control (QC) and calibrations, maintain analytical instrumentation, and provide supervisory oversight to unlicensed laboratory personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Diagnostic Testing & Scientific Validation

• Perform laboratory testing in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs), using sound clinical judgment to review and certify results prior to final release.
• Apply high-quality scientific techniques to challenge test results, ensure accuracy and validity, and verify that all data is defensible.
• Safely handle hazardous materials in strict compliance with safety rules and regulations. Promptly report safety incidents, near misses, and chemical spills to EH&S.

Quality Assurance, Calibration & Compliance

• Review calibration and QC results to ensure they meet established specification limits; initiate appropriate corrective actions prior to releasing donor test results.
• Monitor QC performance for trends or shifts and recommend corrective measures as needed.
• Investigate inconsistent laboratory results and notify appropriate teams to take corrective actions-including halting production when necessary.
• Clean, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate analytical equipment to manufacturer specifications and CLIA requirements prior to use.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation for calibrations, QC acceptance, equipment maintenance, specimen handling, and result certifications.
• Assist with departmental investigations regarding specimen handling, analytical testing, production issues, and quality incidents.
• Support the development, review, and approval of departmental SOPs and protocols.

Supervision, Leadership & Technical Oversight

• Provide direction, assistance, training, and ongoing competency evaluations for Unlicensed Testing Personnel per state requirements.
• Function as a Technical Supervisor according to CLIA regulations, supporting the Quality team with Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement initiatives aligned with the Laboratory Quality Plan.
• Provide general or direct supervision of Laboratory General Personnel and Clerical Personnel as required by lab regulations in the absence of the Department Manager, General Supervisor, or Lab Director.
• Follow all new and revised laboratory procedures as directed by laboratory leadership.
• Maintain professional development and fulfill continuing education requirements to uphold an active California CLS license.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Licensure: Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license under BPC Chapter 3 (Generalist, Toxicologist, or Chemist).
• Education: Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline required.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with liquid/pipetting techniques, general computer literacy, and the ability to quickly learn Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Work Ethic & Communication: Strong commitment to safety, compliance, and quality. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coach peers and subordinates effectively.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a flexible environment, moving comfortably between laboratory and office settings with frequent interruptions and requests for support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in a toxicology laboratory working with mass spectrometry OR 5+ years of general clinical laboratory experience with working knowledge of toxicology.
• Data Review: Hands-on experience reviewing mass spectrometry data (LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS) within a toxicology setting.

Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Strong capacity for statistical review, risk analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous oversight of data, quality control metrics, and regulatory standards.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills with a team-first mindset.
• Drive for Results: Proactive approach to maintaining high throughput without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to shift priorities and manage evolving laboratory needs.