Overview
About this Role
Job Summary
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as a Clinical Chemistry Scientist that is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting scientific research and clinical testing projects of moderate scientific scope and complexity. The role ensures that testing activities within the Technical/General Supervisor Section of the high-complexity Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified genetic screening laboratory are conducted in compliance with established quality assurance protocols. Testing is performed on dried blood spot, serum, plasma, and whole blood specimens from newborns to detect genetic disorders.
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor, Technical/General Supervisor and CLIA Laboratory Director and performs duties in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
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 predetermined 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 and reports laboratory test results (manually and automated) according to established guidelines and acts as technical scientific consultant regarding predetermined guidelines for 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 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 the review of appropriate personnel.
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. 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 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% Prepares protocols for testing and laboratory training course outlines and trains new staff when needed.
5% Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Hold a valid license as a California Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance
Medical Clearance
Travel
Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in
License/Certification: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Clinical Chemist license, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) license, or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist license is required.
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
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