Clinical Lab Scientist

Performs test procedures in Special Chemistry.  Performs and reports test results (manually and automated). Operates laboratory instrumentation & equipment to accurately generate test results. Initiates troubleshooting of errant laboratory instrumentation & equipment as needed.  Follows established quality control procedures and participate in all associated tasks in the section. Must be able to work in a high-volume setting. 

Responsibilities

A new employee must accomplish the following tasks within the six-month probationary period or within the first six months from hiring date if a probationary period does not apply.  The following described are performance standards expected of all employees hired at this level.  Attaining these performance standards will require instruction from the supervisor and/or persons designated by the supervisor and initiated by the employee. In addition, the employee must adhere to all UCSF Medical Center and departmental policies.   

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

75

Yes

Task A: Perform Chemistry Procedures

1. Performs all procedures assigned to the shift in an accurate and efficient manner.

2. Learns and performs any new procedure within a reasonable time frame.

3. Performs procedures in a manner, which does not deviate from the step-by-step procedure write-up. Any deviation from the procedure must be reviewed with a supervisor prior to sending any results.

4. Be responsible for procedural updates by reviewing procedures on an annual basis, checking posted and emailed updates, and by reading and initialing all meeting notes. 

5. Completes test procedures and transmits results in the laboratory computer system within established turn-around times (TATs).

6. Reviews results and validates on computer screen before releasing the results to the LIS (Laboratory Information System).

7. Monitors pending logs for incomplete tests. Follows up to ensure testing is performed and completed.

8. Never alters patient test results in any way after they have been released to the LIS except through accepted procedure with documentation. 

9. Calls panic value results to unit or MD within 30 minutes of test completion and enters appropriate English Text Code and documentation. Notifies resident of issues with calling result.

10. Reports abnormal results, as indicated in the procedures, to supervisor and/or resident in a timely manner (if applicable).

11. Labels specimens, reagents and worksheets with required information in a legible and neat manner with ink pen.

12. Legibly records the results of manual tests on worksheets in ink. Manually enter test results that are not transmitted by on-line instruments within 30 minutes.

13. Correctly makes dilutions following the dilution protocol for the assay.

14. Communicates across shifts in regard to patient and instrument problems and pending tests. Follows Hand Off Procedure.

15. Completes required training and competency assessments within the assigned time frames. 

16. Maintains a clean and neat work area. Replenish supplies and prepare reagents as needed.

17. Wears buttoned lab coat, gloves, and uses face protection when handling patient samples. Exercises proper care and precautions to protect oneself from health hazards. Refrains from smoking, drinking, or eating in and around work areas.

18. Take full responsibility for errors when committed, notifies required personnel, and completes appropriate documentation. 

19. Integrates assigned tasks to complete the assignments by the end of the work shift.

10

Yes

Task B: Maintain & Troubleshoot all equipment used in the department.

1. Operates laboratory equipment and analytical instruments in a proper and efficient manner.
2. Evaluates the proper performance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation and notifies the supervisor of any malfunction.
3. Be able to initiate troubleshooting of any instrument when a malfunction occurs.
4. Notify the first available supervisor or specialist of malfunction. If no supervisor on site, and if an instrument cannot be used until repaired, attaches Repair Tag or Out of Service tag, and sends email to bench staff alerting them to the status. 
5. Never modifies or alters the equipment or instrumentation without consulting a supervisor.
6. Performs maintenance on equipment as assigned or instructed by a supervisor or specialist.
7. Initials Maintenance Logs after performing maintenance procedures.
8. Records malfunction and corrective action in service logbooks. Notifies supervisor and/or bench staff via email of pending service calls. 

10

Yes

Task C: Analyze designated quality control material with all procedures.

1. Prepares QC material as needed.
2. Analyzes required quality control material for all procedures. 
3. Records QC results on worksheet and/or in the LIS.
4. Repeats test/test run if controls are outside the posted control range. Initiate troubleshooting of out-of-control situations. 
5. Notifies a supervisor whenever results of assays on QC materials are out-of-range.
6. Completes analysis of proficiency testing material within stated turn-around-time.

5

Yes

Task D: Perform additional duties, projects, and/or special assignments when requested.                                  

1. Collects sample at patient bedside when required by the procedure (if applicable). 
2. Initiates Laboratory Problem Reports or Incident Reports to document complaints, errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure. 
3. Complete projects or studies within the agreed upon time period.

100%

 

 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
• College graduate degree with a BA or BS in a related science

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in a high-volume laboratory doing clinical laboratory testing. Prefer experience with current automation and instrumentation used in a clinical laboratory.
• Recent experience performing clinical lab testing in Chemistry.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or
• California Clinical Chemistry Scientist License

About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html