Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist II performs day-to-day, high-complexity patient testing in a molecular clinical laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant diagnostic results within a fast-paced and agile environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and high-complexity patient testing under general supervision, independently navigating moderately complex technical and operational issues.
• Conduct only those high-complexity tests authorized by the laboratory director that align with your education, training, experience, and technical abilities.
• Follow established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Maintain accurate records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are processed and tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Adhere to established quality assurance procedures, documenting all quality control activities, instrument calibrations, procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
• Follow laboratory policies and procedures whenever test systems fall outside established acceptable performance levels, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or the reporting of test results, and either correct these issues or promptly notify appropriate laboratory leadership.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Perform laboratory processing tasks such as sample accessioning, aliquoting, centrifugation, and specimen preparation for molecular assays.
• Execute RNA and DNA molecular laboratory work, including manual PCR (with digital droplet PCR preferred), pipetting, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Accurately complete data entry related to sample accessioning, test results, and quality control records.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues as a results-oriented team player to support laboratory throughput and meet turnaround time expectations.
• Uphold high ethical standards and conduct all laboratory activities in a professional, compliant, and quality-focused manner.

Essential Skills

• BS degree required.
• Minimum of two years of clinical laboratory experience in a high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Experience working in a CLIA/CAP-regulated laboratory performing DNA/RNA testing and PCR-based assays (required at higher CLS levels).
• Hands-on experience with RNA and DNA molecular techniques, including manual PCR (digital droplet PCR preferred).
• Proficiency in pipetting, nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA), and molecular assay preparation.
• Experience with specimen handling, laboratory processing, accessioning, and data entry in a clinical or molecular lab environment.
• Ability to follow detailed laboratory procedures for specimen processing, test analysis, reporting, and record maintenance.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance and quality control principles, including documentation of calibrations, maintenance, and corrective actions.
• Solid subject matter knowledge in clinical and molecular laboratory science.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to share and receive information across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in an agile, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to professional conduct.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of CAP and CLIA regulations is preferable.
• Experience in gastrointestinal-focused molecular diagnostics is beneficial.
• Experience in molecular biology or medical laboratory science.
• Experience with digital droplet PCR is highly preferred.
• Ability to remain flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient in a rapidly evolving laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility, make informed decisions, and be accountable for outcomes.
• Inclusive and collaborative working style, with a focus on achieving results as part of a team.
• Positions may range from Clinical Laboratory Scientist I to III, with CLS I typically requiring at least 1 year of experience in a clinical or molecular lab setting, CLS II typically requiring 2–3 years in a CLIA/CAP clinical molecular lab, and CLS III typically requiring 4+ years in a CLIA/CAP clinical molecular lab working with DNA/RNA and PCR.

Work Environment

This role is based in an onsite clinical laboratory environment, working Monday through Friday during standard daytime hours. The team operates a rotating Saturday schedule approximately every other month. Over time, as the laboratory expands, operations are expected to transition to first and second shifts in the future. The lab focuses on high-complexity molecular diagnostic testing for gastrointestinal health, using advanced RNA- and DNA-based technologies, including proprietary RNA platforms and PCR methodologies. You will work with typical clinical lab equipment such as centrifuges, pipettes, and molecular instruments in a regulated CLIA/CAP environment, following established safety, quality, and documentation standards. The culture emphasizes innovation in diagnostics, collaboration with leading research partners, inclusiveness, professionalism, and a mission-driven focus on improving gastrointestinal health through cutting-edge laboratory science.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr. 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis, MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.