Clinical Laboratory Scientist-6c

Performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phase testing of all complexities as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act/Amendment (CLIA), including specialized tests and analysis in one or more areas of the clinical laboratory such as Hematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Urinalysis, Immunohematology, Serology, Parasitology, and chemical and morphological examinations to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment. Analysis of test results is performed on diverse populations (e.g., neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric clients).

Responsibilities

• Upholds Kaiser Permanente’s Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal, and local laws.
• Provides the highest level of patient care as defined by established standards and maintains confidentiality of all laboratory tests performed.
• Performs and reports test results for all assigned clinical laboratory procedures, both automated and manual, without immediate review by the director or supervisory team.
• Demonstrates proficiency, competency, and understanding of fundamental principles of clinical laboratory procedures with minimal supervision.
• Monitors and ensures the integrity of test data, quality control, quality assurance, preventive maintenance, proficiency testing, and all operations related to laboratory testing procedures.
• Notifies the supervisory team of any irregularities or factors that may influence test results.
• Troubleshoots equipment and test methods; identifies and resolves unusual laboratory situations and notifies appropriate parties within the shift.
• Consults with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals on the technical aspects of methodologies, test utilization, and interpretation of patient results.
• Instructs new employees and Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in laboratory procedures to develop proficiency and understanding of clinical laboratory methodology.
• Provides training, guidance, and technical information to Laboratory Assistants, support staff, clerks, CLS students, and Medical Center personnel.
• Participates in workgroups to address departmental problems, issues, or goals.
• Assists in evaluating new test procedures and communicates implementation possibilities to the supervisory team.
• Meets state requirements for mandatory continuing education units (CEUs).
• Maintains professional, cooperative, and courteous conduct in accordance with established standards.
• Observes all laboratory, Kaiser Permanente, and regulatory agency policies and procedures.
• Ensures overall safety of the department, including chemical and biological safety, in accordance with established protocols.
• Monitors supplies and reagents, notifying appropriate parties when par levels are reached.
• Performs clerical or support duties as assigned, including phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients.
• Assists in work areas outside of primary assignment as needed.
• Operates computerized laboratory data systems and applications.
• Provides direct patient care by educating patients on laboratory tests, instructing them on specimen requirements, and collecting samples (e.g., blood, body fluids, secretions, and tissues).

Requirements

• High School Education or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California).
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of principles, theories, practices, methodologies, and techniques required of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Additional Requirements for Regional Reference Labs (RRL)

• Function competently as a Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist in a high-volume laboratory, demonstrating knowledge of principles, theories, practices, and techniques.
• Strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with automated instrumentation, testing principles, molecular-based procedures, QC protocols, and knowledge of autoverification, EIA, chemiluminescence, and IFA platforms.
• Knowledge of method validations, hematology validation, QC, calibration, and manual differential counts (CORE LAB, including AUTO CHEM, IMMUNOLOGY, HEMATOLOGY).
• Experience and knowledge in high-complexity methods employing electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and Special Coagulation (SPECIAL CHEMISTRY, SPECIAL COAGULATION, BIOCHEMICAL GENETICS).
• Experience in molecular microbiology, method validations, QC, calibration, testing, and other viral studies (MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY/VIROLOGY).
• Ability to read, interpret, work up, and report culture results for all areas of Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteriology; proficiency in reading and interpreting stained smears; knowledge and ability to set up and report automated/molecular identification and susceptibility testing (BACTERIOLOGY).

Additional Requirements for Regional Flow Cytometry (Los Angeles)

• One year of recent experience in Flow Cytometry analysis, including leukemia/lymphoma phenotyping, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, T cell subset enumeration, DNA cell cycle analysis, and cytochemical staining.

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist with a limited license will only qualify for a CLS position within their specialty and is applicable only in the following departments at the Regional Reference Laboratories:

• Chemistry limited license qualifies for Automated Chemistry or Esoteric Chemistry CLS positions.
• Toxicology limited license qualifies for Esoteric Chemistry CLS positions.
• Immunology limited license qualifies for Molecular or Immunology CLS positions.
• Microbiology limited license qualifies for Bacteriology, Molecular, or Immunology CLS positions.
• Hematology limited license qualifies for Hematology and Special Coagulation CLS positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of recent experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).
• Experience with Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS, LC/MS/MS & ICP/MS), Electrophoresis, and Special Coagulation testing.

Schedule

• Rotating AM and PM shifts as operational needs mandate.
• Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Pay

$69.01 - $74.65 per hour. Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market-competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of the total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.