Research Laboratory Scientist

Overview

About this Role
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to, integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.

All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.

Competencies: The competencies required for this position are found in the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resources’ Job Descriptions webpage.

Job Summary: This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing laboratory activity as a Research Laboratory Scientist using established guidelines and procedures to ensure the quality of performance and outcomes of results from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified genetic screening laboratories.

Key Responsibilities
30% Performs clinical laboratory activity and testing in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines. Identifies and documents quality control issues and initiates remedial actions per laboratory protocols, including specimen retrieval, punching, reagent preparation, and sample processing. Ensures adherence to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards and validates test results accordingly. Performs routine maintenance and documentation for laboratory instruments, sets up and reviews instrument runs, and manages high-throughput specimen analysis using complex methodologies such as alpha-acid glycosidase and alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme assays.
30% Performs testing and reports laboratory test results (manually and automated) according to standard procedures and acts as technical scientific consultant in operation of laboratory instrumentation and equipment to accurately generate test results. Completes appropriate logs, checklists, and other record keeping documentation for instrument maintenance and performance. Verifies instrumentation and equipment are operating properly and initiates standard troubleshooting of errant laboratory instrumentation and equipment as needed. Coordinates with program contract analyst for the purchase of assay specific chemicals, reagents, supplies, and services for the continuation of uninterrupted screenings under CLIA guidelines. Reviews and releases/reports assay results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and compiles detailed quality control reports for assays conducted within the laboratory for management review.
20% Performs clinical testing utilizing advanced analytical platforms including immunoassays, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and other techniques according to standard procedures. Interprets test data, assists with method development and optimization under the direction of the technical supervisor or laboratory director, and collaborates with contract analysts to manage purchasing and inventory maintenance for these tests.
10% Assists in ensuring laboratory programs remain compliant with departmental regulatory standards and coordinates with external organizations and/or consults applicable regulations CDPH 2388 (Rev. 10/2024) such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the purpose of compliance.
5% Maintains standard protocols for testing and laboratory training course outlines and trains new staff when needed.
5% Performs other work‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance
Medical Clearance
Travel: (not specified)
Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in (not specified)
License/Certification: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Clinical Chemist license, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) license, or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist license
The incumbent will be required (at the time of appointment) to hold a valid license as a California CDPH 2388 (Rev. 10/2024) Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.