Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phase testing of all complexities as defined by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act/Amendment (CLIA) to include specialized tests and analysis in one or more areas of 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 recording laboratory test results. Analysis of test results are performed on the population serviced (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 on all tests performed by the laboratory.
• Performs and reports test results for all clinical laboratory procedures as assigned, both automated and manual, in the clinical laboratory department, without immediate review by the director, consultant, or supervisory team.
• Demonstrates proficiency, competency and understanding of fundamental principles of clinical laboratory procedures with minimal supervision.
• Monitors and is accountable for test data, quality control, quality assurance, preventive maintenance, proficiency testing and all operations related to laboratory testing procedures.
• Notifies Supervisory team of any irregularities of factors which may influence test results.
• Troubleshoots equipment and test methods.
• Identifies and resolves unusual laboratory situations and notifies appropriate parties within shift.
• Consults with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc. on the technical aspects of methodologies used, appropriateness of test utilization and interpretation of patient results.
• Instructs new employees and/or Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in laboratory procedures to develop proficiency and understanding of the clinical laboratory methodology.
• Provides training, guidance and pertinent technical information to Laboratory Assistants, support staff, clerks, CLS students and Medical Center personnel.
• Discusses clinical laboratory problems of mutual interest with the Supervisory team and lead technologist to develop better communication within the department.
• Participates in work groups to address problems, issues or goals of the department.
• Assists in evaluating new test procedures when requested and communicates possibilities for their implementation to the Supervisory team.
• Meets state requirements for mandatory continuing education units (CEUs).
• Works in a professional, cooperative and courteous manner as defined by established standards.
• Observes all laboratory, Kaiser Permanente and regulatory agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains overall safety (including chemical and biological) of the department in accordance with established safety, infection control and procedure protocols.
• Monitors supplies and reagents and notifies appropriate parties of par levels.
• Performs clerical or support staff duties as assigned, such as phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients.
• Assists in work areas not primarily assigned.
• Operates computerized laboratory data systems/applications.
• Participates in direct patient care by providing patients with information to enhance understanding of laboratory tests, instructing on specimen requirements and conditions for specialized testing, and collecting samples (e.g., blood, body fluids, secretions, and tissues) for analysis.

Requirements

• High School Education or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California).
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of and utilize the 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.
• Good communication skills and ability to solve problems.
• Within the last three years, at least six months of experience in one or more of the following areas (CLS students with a one-year internship may be considered):
  • Core Lab (includes Auto Chem, Immunology, Hematology): Experience in automated instrumentation, testing principles, molecular-based procedures, QC protocols, autoverification, EIA, chemiluminescence and IFA platforms, method validations, hematology validation, QC and calibration, manual diff count.
  • Special Chemistry, Special Coagulation, Biochemical Genetics: Experience and knowledge using high-complexity methods employing electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and Special Coagulation.
  • Bacteriology: 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 and interpret results.

Additional Requirements for Regional Flow Cytometry (Los Angeles)

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

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of recent experience as a CLS.
• Experience in mass spectrometry (GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, ICP/MS), electrophoresis, and special coagulation testing.

Schedule

• Full-time, temporary position for approximately 90 days.
• Rotating AM & PM shifts as operation mandates.
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.
• Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
• Shift: Variable (12:00 AM – 11:59 PM).

Pay

Pay Range: $57.51 - $62.21 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.