Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Title: Clinical Laboratory ScientistJob Description

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist will work as a generalist in a fast-paced acute care hospital laboratory, performing a broad range of testing across hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and blood bank. This role processes a variety of samples and specialties, with higher volumes of specialty work typically occurring during daytime hours and more general samples during evening and night shifts. The position requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment in troubleshooting analyzers and quality control issues, and the ability to support safe and timely patient care in a dynamic hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of clinical laboratory tests as a generalist across hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and blood bank benches in an acute hospital setting.

• Process and analyze a variety of patient samples, adapting to fluctuating volumes and changing priorities between PM and NOC shifts.

• Conduct complex blood bank testing, including antibody identification and other advanced immunohematology procedures.

• Prioritize and perform chemistry testing, including troubleshooting and routine maintenance of analyzers and related equipment.

• Respond effectively when quality control fails by following defined troubleshooting steps, investigating root causes, and documenting corrective actions.

• Troubleshoot analyzer error codes by performing systematic checks, coordinating with technical support when needed, and restoring instruments to proper operation.

• Ensure accuracy, precision, and timeliness of test results, and communicate critical values in accordance with laboratory and hospital policies.

• Adhere to all regulatory, accreditation, and hospital standards related to clinical laboratory testing, documentation, and quality assurance.

• Collaborate closely with fellow Clinical Laboratory Scientists, lab assistants, and the lead on the bench to manage workflow and support patient care.

• Work scheduled PM and/or NOC shifts, including weekends and holidays, and provide occasional overtime or shift coverage as needed.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety protocols and infection control procedures.

• Participate in daily huddles and team communications to stay informed about workflow, process improvements, and laboratory updates.

Essential Skills

• National Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license.

• Minimum of 1 year of CLS experience in an acute hospital setting, specifically in a fast-paced, large hospital environment.

• Demonstrated blood bank skills, including blood banking and antibody identification.

• Experience working on all benches, including blood bank, hematology, microbiology, and chemistry.

• Strong chemistry skills with proven ability to troubleshoot and perform maintenance on analyzers.

• Proficiency in clinical laboratory testing principles, practices, and quality control procedures.

• Experience using Cerner Millennium or similar hospital laboratory information systems.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).

• Ability and willingness to work PM and/or NOC shifts, including weekends and holidays.

• Capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume hospital laboratory environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills for addressing QC failures and instrument error codes.

• Attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to established laboratory protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hospital-based blood bank experience with a focus on complex cases and antibody identification.

• Comfort working as a generalist across multiple specialties and adapting to variable sample types and volumes.

• Experience in a mid-size laboratory environment with collaborative team dynamics.

• Strong communication skills to coordinate with colleagues and support clinical teams.

• Ability to remain calm and organized during periods of higher workload or stress.

• Interest in ongoing professional development and further education opportunities.

• Willingness to participate in team activities, huddles, and continuous improvement efforts.

Work Environment

This role is based in a mid-size hospital laboratory that operates on PM and NOC shifts, with PM typically running from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and NOC from 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. You will work alongside approximately three other Clinical Laboratory Scientists, two to three lab assistants, and a lead on the bench, creating a supportive and collaborative team structure. The environment is generally very helpful and knowledgeable, with most specialty and high-stress work occurring during the day, while evening and night shifts focus more on general testing associated with patient admissions. Workload can vary and is sometimes unpredictable, and team members regularly support one another by picking up shifts and sharing overtime when needed. The laboratory uses Cerner Millennium and modern analyzers, with an emphasis on proper troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality control. The culture includes daily huddles, recognition and appreciation activities, and a strong sense of community, featuring events such as barbecues, hospital week and nurses week celebrations, holiday gatherings, and charity events. The organization offers comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, and a traditional pension plan designed to support long-term tenure, as well as programs that encourage further education and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Bernardino,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.