CLS Generalist (Transfusion Services Lead) - AM Shift

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Lead

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist Lead oversees the operation of an assigned laboratory section under the direction of laboratory leadership. This role performs complex clinical laboratory testing, manages procedures and quality programs, supports equipment selection and validation, and provides day-to-day technical and leadership guidance to staff. The position ensures accurate, timely test results, maintains regulatory compliance, and contributes to a safe and patient-focused environment in an acute care hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the assigned laboratory section to ensure efficient workflow and satisfactory testing turnaround times.
• Perform all laboratory tests in accordance with established standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements, from pre-analytical through post-analytical phases.
• Evaluate the validity of test results and initiate corrective actions when necessary to maintain accuracy and reliability.
• Safeguard and preserve the confidentiality of patients' protected health information in accordance with State and Federal (HIPAA) regulations and hospital policies.
• Ensure a safe patient environment and adhere to all safety practices and infection control procedures.
• Assist in developing, organizing, and maintaining procedures and policies within the assigned section to comply with licensing and accrediting agency requirements.
• Oversee quality control activities and assist in the quality assurance program related to the assigned section.
• Evaluate new equipment and methodologies, coordinate validation studies, and collaborate with laboratory management, pathologists, and other departments on implementation.
• Train staff on new procedures and equipment, assess competency, and provide ongoing technical guidance and leadership.
• Maintain sufficient inventory levels to support daily operations while monitoring and supporting cost containment.
• Schedule, perform, and document preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and initiate corrective actions when needed.
• Monitor and perform instrument calibration, linearity, correlation, and other verification studies as required by accrediting agencies.
• Oversee and coordinate staff participation in proficiency testing, review results, investigate unacceptable findings, and implement appropriate follow-up actions.
• Organize work effectively, set appropriate priorities, and complete assignments within prescribed timeframes.
• Utilize laboratory information systems to accurately order, accession, result, charge, cancel, and credit laboratory tests, and generate and resolve incomplete test logs.
• Perform testing and report results within established turnaround times, ensuring timely communication to clinical teams.
• Communicate critical test values promptly to physicians or licensed personnel, documenting notifications according to policy.
• Serve as a resource to technical staff, providing expert consultation on complex cases and procedures, particularly in blood bank and transfusion services.
• Ensure compliance with standards, laws, and regulations of applicable licensing and accrediting agencies, as well as hospital and departmental policies.
• Demonstrate positive customer service behavior in all verbal and nonverbal interactions with patients, physicians, visitors, and hospital staff, and promote a strong teamwork approach.
• Maintain confidentiality of laboratory and hospital patient-related information at all times.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety, hazardous materials, hazardous waste handling, and infection control practices within the laboratory.
• Participate in continuing education as required by the State of California for licensure and in hospital and departmental education programs.
• Perform work assignments that may require accurate visual color discrimination.
• Collaborate with other laboratories through visits and knowledge sharing to exchange best practices and enhance laboratory performance.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and patient care.

Essential Skills

• Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license.
• ASCP-MLS certification.
• Minimum of 3 years of blood bank experience in a lead or manager capacity.
• Previous management or leadership experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Five (5) years of previous Clinical Laboratory Scientist experience within the specific section in an acute care hospital preferred.
• Strong technical skills in laboratory science, particularly in hospital clinical laboratory operations.
• Working knowledge of quality control rules and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards including CLIA, DHS, CAP, and Joint Commission.
• Proficiency in blood banking procedures, including ABO/Rh typing, antibody screen and identification, AHG crossmatch, and antibody typing using tube methods.
• Experience with antigen typing and electronic crossmatch procedures.
• Competence in performing Direct Coombs (DAT) and Indirect Coombs tests.
• Experience with crossmatch methods including immediate spin and IgG techniques.
• Knowledge of Rhogam screening and cord blood evaluation.
• Ability to perform transfusion reaction workups and manage thawing and cooling of blood products.
• Understanding of blood irradiation processes and cold agglutinin testing.
• Strong organizational skills with precise attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving abilities in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Ability to use laboratory computer systems, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of patient identification processes and proper specimen storage.
• Understanding of hazardous materials handling, MSDS, proper disposal, and proper labeling.
• Familiarity with quality assurance and control procedures and transmission-based precautions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a CLS Lead or Manager, including oversight of staff and section operations.
• Technical writing skills for procedures, policies, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to serve as a resource and mentor to technical staff.
• Experience in reporting test results accurately and timely.
• Knowledge of laboratory reporting processes and documentation standards.
• Comfort working within acute care hospital laboratory environments.
• Experience with management responsibilities such as scheduling, training, and performance oversight.
• Preference for candidates with prior experience in an acute care hospital blood bank section.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.
• Ability to collaborate and share knowledge with other laboratories to support continuous improvement.
• Customer service orientation and ability to maintain a positive, team-focused work style.

Work Environment

This position is based in a hospital clinical laboratory environment, primarily focused on blood bank and transfusion services. The role follows a Monday through Friday daytime schedule, with start times that may vary between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Weekend and holiday coverage may be required, with flexibility expected to meet patient care needs. The laboratory uses a range of modern instrumentation and computer systems for testing, calibration, quality control, and reporting. Work involves handling blood products, hazardous materials, and infectious specimens, with strict adherence to safety, hazardous waste, and infection control protocols. Staff follow professional laboratory attire guidelines suitable for a clinical setting and use appropriate personal protective equipment. The environment emphasizes regulatory compliance, quality assurance, teamwork, and a patient-centered culture supported by benefits programs such as Abenity and development initiatives like the CARE Roadmap.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Whittier, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $63.00 - $85.00/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 Whittier, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.