Clinical Lab Scientist

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) provides transfusion medicine support for patients across a large academic medical center. Under the direction of supervisory staff, the CLS performs routine and complex serologic testing, blood component selection, compatibility testing, transfusion reaction investigations, quality control activities, and laboratory troubleshooting to support safe and timely patient care. This position works in a fast-paced Transfusion Service environment supporting trauma, transplant, surgical, oncology, inpatient, and outpatient services. The CLS utilizes manual and automated testing methodologies, laboratory information systems, and blood bank instrumentation to accurately perform, interpret, document, and report laboratory results. The CLS collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, operating room personnel, transplant teams, and laboratory colleagues to ensure the safe management, allocation, and issuance of blood products. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements, participating in quality improvement activities, supporting emergency and massive transfusion events, and contributing to departmental training, validation, and operational initiatives. Successful candidates demonstrate strong technical expertise, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to perform independently in a high-volume healthcare environment. % of time Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities 65 Yes 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. Review/validate, and enter test results and interpretations in the LIS accurately. Investigate transfusion reaction investigations immediately per procedure, including performing clerical checks, repeat testing, quarantine of co-components and notification of resident. Recognize and follow through on unexpected or abnormal results by initiating problem solving techniques and notifying a supervisor and/or resident, as appropriate. Perform all duties of "Lead/traffic tech" when assigned, including successful management of Emergency Release and Massive Transfusion Protocol products, and follow up of pending tests and product orders. Perform all duties related to entering into inventory, verifying data in UNOS website, allocating, modifying and issuing Organs and Vessels. Perform, document, and analyze instrument and manual QC testing results. Perform repeat testing, testing with a different lot number, or initiate troubleshooting when results are not within acceptable range. Notify supervisor of problem results or reagents. Consult and follow reagent manufacturers' instruction and section's procedure manuals when performing less common tests. Complete the procedures for the quality control tasks as assigned; record results legibly and completely on the appropriate log sheets. Recognize and investigate unexpected quality control test results; quarantine suspect reagent lot numbers, communicate findings to appropriate Specialist/Supervisor. Complete all documentation concurrently, in ink (or in LIS), and with neat and legible writing. Perform file updates or result corrections to the LIS following acceptable procedures and with clear documentation. Inform supervisor for any result corrections. Take full responsibility for errors when committed, notify supervisor and complete appropriate documentation in work records and in electronic variance reporting program. Strive to make fewer than three (3) non-computer clerical or "human" errors per year, to include but not restricted to labeling and return-to-stock errors. Strive to avoid any error or break in established procedure which results in the issue of the wrong unit of blood. "Wrong unit" components include but are not restricted to: a) units other than those reserved or crossmatched for a particular patient, and b) random (stock) units when donor designated or autologous units of the component requested are available at UCSF. Complete training and competency within assigned time frames. Stay up to date on procedural changes, memos, staff meeting minutes and other communication. Work successfully without close or continual supervision. Use sound judgment. Replenish supplies at work station and clean and organize work areas at the end of the work shift. Receive, log and store reagents and supplies per procedure. 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. Assist with training of new staff or students as assigned. Adhere to section's infection control and personal protection guidelines, including wearing buttoned lab coat, gloves and face protection when handling patient samples. Exercises proper care and precautions to protect self and group from health hazards. Refrain from smoking, drinking, or eating in and around work areas. Organize and efficiently manage the tasks assigned to each rotation in order to complete the assignments by the end of the work shift. Inform the next shift of all on-going problems and pending blood orders. Maintain a respectful and professional attitude at all times. Adhere to all policies and procedures as established by the UCSF Medical Center, and for Clinical Labs specific policies and procedures. 20 Yes Demonstrate effective communication skills when giving information to hospital personnel regarding blood availability, departmental policies and procedures, designated donor and autologous blood. Assists with answering phone calls and in-person questions. Convey information accurately and concisely. Maintain professional and respectful demeanor. Routinely record the time of a telephone report on the requisition, in addition to the name of the person to whom the report is given. Correctly enter results in the LIS, including sufficient and clear detail in file updates for department use. Strive not to make more than three (3) 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 Operate Blood Bank equipment and analytical instruments correctly and safely. Recognize malfunction and notify the supervisor or appropriate specialist. Discontinue and/or prevent use of equipment which is not maintaining acceptable performance or temperature using Out of Service tag system. Initiate troubleshooting on any instrument when a malfunction occurs. Records malfunction and corrective action on logs, initiate service call to vendor/repair service. Perform maintenance on equipment as assigned or instructed by a supervisor or specialist. Document tasks and results on appropriate logs. Never modify or alter equipment or settings without consulting and obtaining approval from a supervisor. 5 Yes Complete the testing of survey material, special studies, SOP validations, or projects within the time frame agreed upon with supervisor; record results legibly and completely. Initiate problem reports, online variance or incident reports to document injuries, complaints, or errors. 100% Required Qualifications: Bachelor of Science degree A valid California Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or a limited license in Immunohematology Maintain active license and follow Clinical Lab CLS licensure policy Recent experience performing clinical lab testing in Transfusion Service. Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in a laboratory science Recent experience performing clinical laboratory testing in a healthcare setting Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and function effectively in a fast-paced environment Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety Preferred Qualifications: Prefer two years' Blood Bank or Transfusion Service experience in a high volume lab within the past five years, to include, but not exclusive of, experience in: Selection and crossmatch of blood for the sensitized or problem recipient. Antibody identification and titers. Serologic follow-up of transfusion reactions. Blood Bank quality control procedures. Problems associated with transfusion of the neonate. Use of hospital and laboratory information (computer) systems. Experience performing testing on an automated platform. 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: Required Qualifications: Bachelor of Science degree A valid California Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or a limited license in Immunohematology Maintain active license and follow Clinical Lab CLS licensure policy Recent experience performing clinical lab testing in Transfusion Service. Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in a laboratory science Recent experience performing clinical laboratory testing in a healthcare setting Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and function effectively in a fast-paced environment Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety Preferred Qualifications: Prefer two years' Blood Bank or Transfusion Service experience in a high volume lab within the past five years, to include, but not exclusive of, experience in: Selection and crossmatch of blood for the sensitized or problem recipient. Antibody identification and titers. Serologic follow-up of transfusion reactions. Blood Bank quality control procedures. Problems associated with transfusion of the neonate. Use of hospital and laboratory information (computer) systems. Experience performing testing on an automated platform. University of California , San Francisco