Clinical Lab Scientist Lead

The Position:

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for performing high complexity clinical laboratory testing on patient specimens, reviewing and reporting patient results, performing quality control and quality assurance activities and complying with all applicable local, state and federal laboratory, quality, and safety requirements. The high complexity nature of the work requires excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to multitask and be flexible with tasks and schedules and the ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment.

This is an on-site position in our San Diego, CA lab. Sunday - Thursday 12:30pm - 9:00pm

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

The main duties and responsibilities of the Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist include the following, but not limited to:

• Perform molecular genetic testing on clinical specimens


• Mastery of all laboratory standard operating procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analyses, and recording of test results including efficiencies, high complexity troubleshooting procedures, and non-routine operations


• May supervise laboratory personnel


• Demonstrate ownership and timely completion of assigned or assumed tasks, including e-mails, paperwork and documentation, and nonconformances with appropriate prioritization and urgency and minimal supervision


• Demonstrate skill and reliability in leadership situations, including the appropriate handling of training, personnel issues, conflict resolution, and delicate subject matters. Report personnel and laboratory processing issues to management and participate/ engage in conflict resolution


• Contribute to and participate with activities associated with quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement (e.g., SOP revision/updates, monthly QA meetings, inspections, etc.)


• Perform, review and document laboratory quality control procedures in accordance with the Quality Assurance Program


• Prepare reagents required for laboratory testing


• Engage in training and perform competency assessment


• Perform proficiency testing for the clinical tests


• Assist in research and validation activities


• Independently identify and troubleshoot complex issues that could potentially adversely affect test performance


• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications


• Follow the laboratory’s standard operating procedures for quality and environmental health and safety and reporting all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Lab’s Management or Safety Officer


• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and participate in all regulatory inspections


• Work cooperatively in a team environment supporting fellow laboratory and management staff, which may include actively managing employees


• Perform any other site/lab specific duties as assigned

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Who You Are:

• Active California Department of Public Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or Clinical Genetic Molecular Biology Scientist (CGMBS) license (no exceptions)


• Experience in high complexity clinical laboratory testing, preferably in molecular diagnostics


• Performance of molecular testing (PCR, Microarray, Sanger/NGS sequencing) a plus


• Has at least 4 years of experience in molecular laboratory that demonstrate proficiency and independence in a clinical laboratory setting


• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Must be detail-oriented and comfortable with technology


• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills 


• Strong computer skills across diverse platforms


• Excellent interpersonal communication and team player attitude


• Ability to adapt to change and a rapid work pace


• Maintains continuing education units required by California Department of Health Services and New York State Department of Health

Physical Requirements:

• Repetitive movement of hands, arms and leg, fingers (typing and/or writing)


• Gripping/grasping


• Reaching above/below shoulder level


• Sitting, with occasional walking, standing, stooping and moving about


• Exposure to general office environment conditions


• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds