Lead Clinical Lab Scientist

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.
• Captures instrument maintenance schedules, service calls, and downtime procedures to ensure continuous operations.
• Aids in the development, revision, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality improvement activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Maintains awareness of workflow, prioritizes testing assignments, and ensures efficient, timely specimen processing and reporting.
• Liaises between laboratory leadership, technical consultants, and staff regarding operational issues and quality metrics.
• Documents adverse events using incident reporting tools.
• 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.