Lead Clinical Lab Scientist

Overview

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs and prioritizes a wide range of clinical laboratory tests, reviews and reports results, and upholds patient confidentiality, safety standards, and maintenance protocols. This role provides technical oversight, serves as a superuser for key instruments and systems, and leads staff training, competency, and routine maintenance activities to ensure efficient, high-quality laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

Serves as departmental lead and technical resource for CLS staff, providing day-to-day guidance and problem resolution.

 

Functions as a superuser for designated instruments, analyzers, middleware, and LIS modules; assists staff with troubleshooting and workflow optimization.

 

Oversees department-specific training, onboarding, and annual competency assessments for testing personnel.

 

Coordinates instrument maintenance schedules, service calls, and downtime procedures to ensure continuous operations.

 

Assists with development, revision, and implementation of SOPs, quality improvement activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives

 

Monitors workflow, prioritizes testing assignments, and ensures efficient, timely specimen processing and reporting.

 

Acts as liaison between laboratory leadership, technical consultants, and staff regarding operational issues and quality metrics.

 

Documents adverse events using incident reporting tool.

 

Orients, instructs and provides day-to-day operational guidance to Laboratory Assistants as needed.

 

Keeps all work stations in the department clean.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S) in related field or equivalent. 

Experience: Minimum 5 years previous experience as a Clinical Lab Scientist with progressive responsibility in an acute care setting.

Licenses & Certifications: Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license.

Required Skills & Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of accepted clinical laboratory practice and procedures including proper procurement of specimens, handling and disposing of potentially infectious material, and familiarity with California law relating to the practice of medical technology. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds. This Lead Position requires Microbiology experience.

Compensation

Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.

Minimum:

USD $59.94

Maximum:

USD $82.42