Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is expected to perform test procedures in blood bank, chemistry, blood gas, routine hematology, special hematology, routine coagulation, special coagulation, bone marrow/special stain section, urinalysis, microbiology and molecular microbiology. Must be able to work in a high volume, automated setting. Transcribes and reports test results and operates laboratory equipment as needed. Follows established quality control procedures and participates in all associated tasks in the section. The test menu will vary depending on the shift.

Responsibilities

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Section/s

Key Responsibilities

80%

YES

Task A:

Perform Core Lab duties as assigned in the following sections: Blood Bank, Chemistry, Blood Gas, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis and Microbiology Procedures

 

 

All

Perform all tests using manual methods and automated instruments per the section’s procedures, accurately and without deviation from the written instructions, and within the established completion times.

 

 

All

Learn and perform new procedures in a reasonable time frame. 

 

 

All

Follow step by step procedures. Any deviation from the procedure must be reviewed with a supervisor prior to sending any results.

 

 

All

Review and sign updated procedures in document control system.

 

 

All

Recognize and follow through on unexpected or abnormal results by initiating problem solving techniques and notifying a supervisor and/or designee, as appropriate. 

 

 

All

Be responsible for procedural updates by reviewing and signing off procedures in document control system.

 

 

All

Complete test procedures and transmit results in the laboratory computer system within established turn around times (TATs).

 

 

All

Call panic value results to unit or MD within 30 minutes of test completion and document with required information as outlined in the critical value policy.

 

 

All

Label specimens, reagents and worksheets in a legible and neat manner with black/blue ballpoint ink pen.

 

 

All

Legibly record the results of manual tests on worksheets in black/blue ballpoint ink pen. Worksheets must be signed or initialed with date.

 

 

All

Communicate across shifts all patient and instrument problems, and pending tests. Follow Hand Off Procedure. 

 

 

All

Complete required training and competency assessment within the assigned time frames and due dates.

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

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

 

 

All

Works well without close or continual supervision.

 

 

All

Accepts a reasonable increase in the workload when necessary or assigned by a supervisor.

 

 

 

Adheres to all policies and procedures established in the Clinical Laboratory Personnel Policies.

 

 

All

Performs special studies or projects when added to routine procedure run or when assigned separately.

 

 

All

Assists in observation of competency as assigned by supervisor.

 

 

All

Assists in the training of new CLS’s and CLS trainees and students as assigned by supervisor.

 

 

All

Assists with receiving, unpacking, and storage of reagents and supplies.

 

 

All

Assist coworkers when own tasks are complete, or during emergency/urgent situations that require additional support.  Serve as a resource for hospital lab technicians, help them prioritize tasks as needed.

 

 

All

Assists with answering phone calls or in-lab inquiries. Maintains a respectful and professional attitude at all times

 

 

All

Complete all required HR compliance, quality and safety training and UC Learning courses in a timely manner

 

 

All

Demonstrate effective communication skills when giving information to hospital personnel regarding blood availability, departmental policies and procedures, designated donor and autologous blood.

 

 

All

Reports and documents non-conforming events appropriately using RL system or lab form.

 

 

All

Perform inventory of reagents, consumables and other supplies as assigned by supervisor.

 

 

Blood Bank

Investigate transfusion reaction investigations immediately per procedure, including performing clerical checks, repeat testing, quarantine of co-components and notification of attending MD or designee.

 

 

Blood Bank

Perform all duties leading to a successful management of Emergency Release and Massive Transfusion Protocol products, and follow up of pending tests and product orders.

 

 

Blood Bank

Strive to make minimal computer errors per year in each of the following categories: a) Entry of blood components into inventory and changing the status of units in inventory. b) Entry of test requests and blood component orders, including failure to enter appropriate tests and/or results.

 

 

 

10%

YES

Task B:

Maintain & troubleshoot all equipment used in departments.

 

 

All

Operates laboratory equipment and analytical instruments in a proper and efficient manner.

 

 

All

Evaluates the proper performance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation and notifies the supervisor of any malfunction.

 

 

All

Be able to initiate troubleshooting of any instrument when a malfunction occurs and call for technical support by contacting vendor/engineering/biomed as appropriate.

 

 

All

Be able to investigate and initiate troubleshooting of any out-of-range temperature/humidity monitoring. Documents corrective actions taken.

 

 

All

Notify the first available day shift supervisor 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. 

 

 

All

Perform maintenance on equipment as assigned or instructed by a supervisor or specialist.

 

 

All

Initial Maintenance Logs after performing maintenance procedures.

 

 

All

Record malfunction and corrective action in service log books. Notifies supervisor and/or bench staff via email of pending service calls. 

 

 

All

Never modify or alter equipment or settings without consulting and obtaining approval from a supervisor.

 

 

 

5%

YES

Task C:

Analyze designated quality control material with all procedures.

 

 

All

Prepares QC material as needed.

 

 

All

Analyze required quality control material for all procedures. 

 

 

All

Record QC results on worksheet and/or in computer.

 

 

All

Repeats test/test run if controls are outside the posted control range. Initiates troubleshooting of out-of-control situations. 

 

 

All

Notify a supervisor whenever results of assays on QC materials are out-of-range.

 

 

All

Complete analysis of proficiency testing material within stated turn-around-time.

 

 

 

5%

YES

Task D:

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

 

 

All

Collect sample at patient bedside when required by the procedure. 

 

 

All

Initiates Laboratory Problem Reports to document complaints, errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure. 

 

 

All

Complete projects or studies within the agreed upon time period.

 

 

100%

 

 

 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree
• A valid California Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist license. Maintain active license and follow Clinical Lab CLS licensure policy
• Recent experience performing clinical lab testing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Recent experience in clinical laboratory technology, preferably in Blood Bank, Chemistry and Hematology
• Experience in a high-volume laboratory, doing clinical laboratory testing
• Experience with current automation used in the clinical laboratory
• Experience using laboratory information systems and up-to-date computer skills

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) 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