Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Job Description

This role performs the full pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing with speed and accuracy in accordance with California State Business and Professions Code. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist analyzes and interprets test results for a diverse patient population, including pediatric, neonatal, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The position ensures accurate and timely reporting of results to the appropriate providers or locations, maintains rigorous quality control and quality assurance practices, and completes preventive maintenance according to department policies. The role requires effective use of all laboratory computer systems and ongoing completion of state-mandated continuing education.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing with a high level of accuracy and efficiency, following all applicable regulations and departmental procedures.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory test results for a wide range of patient populations, including pediatric, neonatal, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, ensuring clinical relevance and accuracy.
• Review and report test results promptly and accurately to the appropriate provider or designated location, following established communication protocols.
• Perform and document instrument preventive maintenance procedures according to daily, weekly, and monthly schedules defined by department protocols.
• Record all required maintenance and quality control activities in logs, worksheets, printouts, and other designated documentation systems.
• Perform and record quality control testing as defined by established protocols, and take appropriate corrective and troubleshooting actions when QC results fall outside acceptable ranges.
• Verify all test sample requirements prior to analysis, including correct patient identification, proper labeling, appropriate tube types, and specimen integrity.
• Perform all test procedures exactly as outlined in the department’s procedure manuals across all assigned benches, including blood bank, chemistry, hematology, and other clinical laboratory areas.
• Cross-check and correlate test results to ensure internal consistency and clinical plausibility before releasing results.
• Utilize laboratory computer systems and information systems to accurately enter, retrieve, and report patient and test data.
• Perform proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparison tests, and competency assessments as required by regulatory and departmental standards.
• Troubleshoot quality control failures by identifying potential causes, repeating tests when appropriate, checking reagents and calibrations, and escalating issues according to protocol.
• Troubleshoot analyzer error codes by following established diagnostic steps, performing necessary maintenance or recalibration, and coordinating service calls when needed.
• Complete special assignments and projects as requested, delivering accurate and timely results.
• Manage workload effectively to complete all assigned procedures within the scheduled shift, using time productively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate closely with fellow Clinical Laboratory Scientists, lead staff, and laboratory assistants to ensure smooth workflow and high-quality patient care.
• Maintain compliance with all quality assurance, safety, and regulatory requirements, including documentation and participation in audits as needed.
• Meet and maintain yearly state-determined educational and competency requirements for licensure and practice.
• Provide support and assistance to colleagues during periods of high volume, covering for absences and contributing to a helpful and knowledgeable team culture.

Essential Skills

• Current national Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license, meeting all applicable regulatory requirements.
• At least 1–2 years of experience as a CLS in a hospital setting, with a preference for experience in a fast-paced, large acute care hospital rather than a small community hospital.
• Demonstrated proficiency in blood bank, including blood banking procedures and antibody identification.
• Hands-on experience working on all major laboratory benches, including blood bank, chemistry, hematology, and general clinical laboratory testing.
• Strong chemistry bench skills, including troubleshooting and maintenance of chemistry analyzers.
• Experience performing test sampling, clinical laboratory testing, and related pre-analytical and analytical processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot quality control failures and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to troubleshoot analyzer error codes, including identifying issues, performing maintenance, and coordinating further support when needed.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems and other computer systems used for entering, processing, and reporting laboratory data.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Ability and willingness to work rotating weekends and holidays as part of the regular schedule.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced acute care hospital environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in an acute care hospital laboratory, including support for inpatient admissions at night and discharge-related testing during the day.
• Comfort working across multiple benches and adapting to changing priorities and workloads during the shift.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to complete procedures within assigned work hours and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with providers, peers, and laboratory assistants, and for clearly documenting work performed.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and completion of state-required continuing education.
• Ability to contribute positively to a helpful, collaborative, and knowledgeable team culture, especially during night shifts when resources may be limited.
• Flexibility to support coverage needs such as leaves of absence, vacations, and last-minute staffing gaps.

Work Environment

This position is based in a hospital laboratory environment that operates around the clock and supports a fast-paced acute care setting. There are openings on both AM and NOC shifts, and team members must be available to work rotating weekends and holidays. The role is structured as a registry position, providing coverage for leaves of absence, vacations, and unexpected call-offs. You will work alongside approximately three other Clinical Laboratory Scientists, two to three laboratory assistants, and a lead technologist on the bench, fostering a collaborative and supportive team dynamic. The night shift environment is described as very helpful and knowledgeable; while the work can be stressful at times, many periods are less intense, with most high-stress and specialty testing occurring during the day. At night, the focus is primarily on general laboratory work associated with patient admissions, while daytime shifts handle a higher volume of discharges and specialized testing. The laboratory uses a range of analyzers and computer systems, and staff are expected to follow standard laboratory safety practices and professional attire appropriate for a clinical lab setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Bernardino, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Bernardino,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.