Position Overview
The Laboratory Technologist is responsible for the receipt, accessioning, preparation, testing, and analysis of patient specimens in accordance with established laboratory procedures, quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements. This position performs assigned moderate-complexity laboratory testing, including LC-MS testing, monitors testing workflows, conducts quality control activities, and assists with laboratory instrument troubleshooting. The Laboratory Technologist exercises technical judgment within the scope of assigned competency and works collaboratively with laboratory personnel to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant laboratory operations.
Primary Expectations and Responsibilities
Specimen Processing and Laboratory Testing
- Receive, accession, organize, and process patient specimens in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
- Verify specimen identification, labeling, integrity, and acceptability before testing.
- Perform specimen preparation and assigned moderate-complexity laboratory testing within demonstrated competency.
- Perform LC-MS testing and other assigned laboratory procedures in accordance with approved testing protocols.
- Accurately enter and maintain specimen and testing information within the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Identify specimen discrepancies, processing concerns, or testing issues and complete appropriate follow-up or escalation.
Laboratory Operations and Quality Control
- Support daily laboratory workflow and prioritize testing based on operational needs.
- Perform and document required quality assurance and quality control activities.
- Identify and report testing deviations, quality concerns, and process issues.
- Follow approved laboratory policies, testing procedures, and quality standards.
- Maintain an organized, efficient, and safe laboratory work environment.
Laboratory Equipment and Instrumentation
- Operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation within established competency.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, equipment checks, and basic troubleshooting.
- Document equipment maintenance and testing concerns as required.
- Escalate unresolved instrument or testing issues to appropriate laboratory personnel or management.
Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records and testing documentation.
- Comply with applicable CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, infection prevention, and laboratory safety requirements.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and follow established specimen handling and documentation procedures.
- Report laboratory safety, quality, or compliance concerns to appropriate management.
Skills and Abilities
- Specimen accessioning and preparation.
- Laboratory testing and analysis.
- LC-MS testing.
- Quality control monitoring and documentation.
- Laboratory instrument operation and troubleshooting.
- LIS data entry and laboratory documentation.
- Technical problem-solving.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Organization and time management.
- Professional communication and teamwork.
- Perform assigned laboratory testing accurately and consistently within established competency.
- Analyze testing processes and identify specimen, instrument, or quality concerns.
- Exercise sound technical judgment within the scope of the position.
- Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records.
- Manage multiple specimens and testing priorities in a high-volume environment.
- Follow detailed laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Adapt to changing laboratory workloads and operational needs.
- Work independently while collaborating effectively with laboratory personnel.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle patient specimens and information with discretion.
Authority
The Laboratory Technologist is authorized to receive, accession, process, prepare, and perform assigned laboratory testing on patient specimens within the scope of education, training, demonstrated competency, organizational policies, and applicable federal and California requirements. This position exercises technical judgment in verifying specimen integrity, performing laboratory procedures, operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, conducting quality control activities, and identifying specimen, testing, or quality concerns requiring additional review or escalation. The Laboratory Technologist may document and communicate laboratory findings to authorized personnel in accordance with established procedures. This position does not independently diagnose patients, prescribe or recommend treatment, modify provider orders, or exercise supervisory or disciplinary authority unless specifically assigned by organizational leadership.
Physical and Mental Demands
This position requires vision, including the ability to distinguish colors and identify visual patterns; hearing; speech; and repetitive movements involving the wrists, hands, and fingers. The position requires the ability to sit and stand for extended periods, frequently operate laboratory equipment and computers, and perform repetitive specimen handling and preparation activities. Must maintain sustained concentration, attention to detail, and accuracy while performing laboratory testing, reviewing specimen information, and monitoring quality control activities. The position requires the ability to manage multiple testing priorities, work under time-sensitive conditions, exercise sound technical judgment, and respond appropriately to specimen, instrument, or quality concerns. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment, adapt to changing workloads, collaborate with laboratory personnel, and proactively identify and communicate concerns. Must have the ability to work varied hours and days required to complete the essential functions of the position, as scheduled. Must have the ability to work on-site.
Requirements
Education
- Meet all applicable federal, state, and CLIA personnel qualification requirements for the complexity and type of laboratory testing assigned to the position.
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical Science, Biological Science, Physical Science, or a related laboratory field from an accredited institution.
- Equivalent military laboratory training or documented laboratory training and experience may be considered only when permitted under applicable federal and state regulatory requirements.
Experience
- Minimum of one (1) year of clinical laboratory experience preferred.
- Experience performing specimen processing, laboratory testing, and quality control procedures in a CLIA-regulated laboratory environment preferred.
- Experience handling biological specimens while maintaining specimen integrity throughout the testing process is preferred.
- Experience operating laboratory instrumentation, including LC-MS, EIA, or other analytical laboratory equipment preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, laboratory safety, and quality assurance standards.
- Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic documentation.
- Strong understanding of laboratory quality control, instrument maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Position Details
- Full-time: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM, official schedule TBD and requires additional flexibility for the ability to work as early as 6:00am and as late as 5:00pm as schedule changes are subject to change based on operational need.
- Starting Rate: $25.00–$29.00/hour, determined by years of experience and education.
- Pay Range: $25.00-$35.00/hour
Benefits
- Eligible for subsidized medical benefits on the first of the month following 60 days of hire (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
- Eligible for 401(k)/Retirement Plan after completing one (1) year of service
- Eligible for Profit-Sharing Pension Plan after completing one (1) year of service
- Six (6) paid holidays totaling eight (8) paid holiday days annually
- Accrued vacation and California Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
NorCal Pain Treatment Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect. We make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and lawful considerations without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants who require accommodations during the application or interview process. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
