Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Description
This role performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing with speed and accuracy as authorized under California State Business and Professions Code. You analyze test results for a diverse patient population, including pediatric, neonatal, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, and review and report findings to the appropriate provider or location. You maintain strict quality control, quality assurance, and preventive maintenance practices in accordance with department policies, work confidently across all laboratory computer systems, and complete ongoing state-required education each year.
Responsibilities
- Perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of all authorized laboratory tests with a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
- Analyze and interpret test results in the context of various patient populations, including pediatric, neonatal, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
- Review and report laboratory results promptly and accurately to the appropriate provider or designated location.
- Perform and document instrument preventive maintenance procedures on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis as required by department protocol.
- Record all maintenance activities and ensure compliance with established quality and performance standards.
- Perform and record quality control results according to established protocols, ensuring all controls meet acceptable criteria before releasing patient results.
- Verify all test sample requirements prior to testing, including proper labeling, correct tube types, and appropriate specimen handling.
- Execute all test procedures exactly as outlined in the departments procedure manual and adhere to regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Cross-check results for appropriate correlations and consistency, and report final testing results with complete accuracy.
- Accurately record all required information on department log sheets, worksheets, printouts, file cards, and other documentation tools.
- Utilize laboratory computer systems to enter, verify, and report patient data and test results, and navigate all relevant software applications effectively.
- Participate in proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparison studies, and competency assessments as required by regulatory and departmental standards.
- Complete special assignments and projects in a timely manner, delivering high-quality results that meet defined objectives.
- Manage workload effectively to complete procedures within the assigned work shift, using time productively in a fast-paced acute care environment.
- Perform blood bank testing, including antibody identification and other complex immunohematology procedures, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Conduct chemistry testing, including instrument troubleshooting and routine maintenance, and respond appropriately when quality control fails or analyzers generate error codes.
- Apply systematic troubleshooting steps when QC results are unacceptable, including repeating controls, checking reagents and calibrations, and evaluating instrument performance.
- Respond to analyzer error codes by following established troubleshooting protocols, performing maintenance, and escalating issues when necessary.
- Collaborate with fellow Clinical Laboratory Scientists, lab assistants, and the bench lead to ensure smooth workflow and high-quality patient care during night shifts.
- Maintain compliance with all departmental, hospital, and regulatory policies and procedures, including safety, documentation, and confidentiality standards.
- Participate in a structured training program that includes blood bank training on day shift, hematology training on evening shift, and a transition to graveyard shift.
- Support general laboratory operations at night, focusing on core testing needs associated with patient admissions during the night and discharges during the day.
Essential Skills
- Active National Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
- At least 12 years of experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in a hospital setting, with preference for fast-paced, large acute care hospitals.
- Demonstrated experience working on all laboratory benches, including blood bank, chemistry, and hematology.
- Strong blood bank experience, including antibody identification and complex immunohematology procedures.
- Hands-on hematology experience in an acute care hospital laboratory.
- Proficiency in clinical chemistry testing, including troubleshooting and routine instrument maintenance.
- Ability to perform clinical laboratory testing across multiple disciplines in a high-volume environment.
- Competence in test sampling, lab testing, and clinical laboratory workflows.
- Ability to work rotating weekend schedules and overnight (graveyard) shifts.
- Proficiency with laboratory computer systems for data entry, result verification, and reporting.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen verification, labeling, and documentation.
- Effective problem-solving skills for handling QC failures and analyzer error codes using established troubleshooting steps.
- Ability to complete assigned procedures within the scheduled shift while maintaining quality standards.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience in an acute care hospital laboratory environment, particularly in a large, fast-paced facility.
- Comfort working on multiple benches and transitioning between blood bank, hematology, and chemistry as needed.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to correlate laboratory results with clinical information.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other Clinical Laboratory Scientists, lab assistants, and lead staff on the bench.
- Capacity to perform under periods of stress while maintaining accuracy and composure.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and completion of state-determined educational requirements.
- Effective time management skills to balance routine testing, maintenance, quality control, and special assignments.
- Clear and professional communication skills for reporting results and collaborating with clinical teams.
Work Environment
This position is based in an acute care hospital laboratory and follows a structured schedule centered on night (graveyard) shifts. The typical schedule consists of 34 shifts per week, including every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday), with shift hours approximately 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM. Post-training, you can expect regular Friday night shifts and alternating weekend coverage. You will work alongside three other Clinical Laboratory Scientists and two to three lab assistants, with a lead CLS on the bench providing guidance and support. The culture at night is described as helpful and knowledgeable, with a collaborative team that supports one another. While the environment can be stressful at times due to the demands of acute care, much of the specialty and highest-intensity work occurs during the day, so night shifts focus more on general testing associated with patient admissions at night and discharges during the day. The laboratory utilizes multiple benches, including blood bank, hematology, and chemistry, and relies on modern analyzers, quality control systems, and computer-based laboratory information systems. Training follows a phased schedule: Week 1 on day shift focusing on blood bank (MondayFriday, approximately 6:30 AM3:00 PM), Week 2 on evening shift focusing on hematology (MondayFriday, starting around 2:30 PM), and Week 3 transitioning to the graveyard shift. The work environment emphasizes accuracy, safety, teamwork, and continuous learning in a professional clinical 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. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Bernardino, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Bernardino,CA. 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.

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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
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