Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Contra Costa County, CA

$135K — $164K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license required
  • Minimum two years of experience in a clinical laboratory
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Desirable: Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Responsibilities

  • Perform complex laboratory tests and analyses
  • Operate and troubleshoot laboratory analyzers and instruments
  • Prepare and process patient specimens
  • Train and mentor new staff members
  • Calibrate instruments and manage quality control issues

Benefits

  • Opportunity to significantly impact patient care
  • Engagement in diverse and scientifically interesting work
  • Dynamic work environment fostering continuous learning
  • Career growth in a highly valued and precision-driven field
Full Job Description
Salary : $135,499.15 - $164,700.07 Annually
Location : Martinez, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: VHNA-2026A
Department: Health Services - Only
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: TC

The Position
**RE-ANNOUNCEMENT**

This position provide work direction to other clinical scientists in the performance of (but not limited to) bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, and transfusion services and analyses and assist in the training and development of newly hired clinical scientists. They also perform the more difficult and non-standard laboratory tests and analyses, conduct technical research work, and recommend new or modified procedural and qualitative techniques. In addition, they assist in calibrating instruments, ordering supplies and equipment, and scheduling work and setting work priorities. Our lab offers an excellent opportunity to learn new tests and technologies while working as part of a team dedicated to supporting patient care.
We are looking for someone who is:
  • An excellent problem solver with strong analytical skills
  • Able to work independently and manage responsibilities effectively
  • Willing to share knowledge, expertise, and professional experience with others
  • Detail-oriented and committed to accuracy
  • Able to follow established protocols, policies, and procedures
  • A clear and effective communicator
  • Reliable, professional, and committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity
What you will typically be responsible for:
  • Performing complex laboratory tests
  • Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analyzers/instrument
  • Preparing, handling, and processing patient specimens
  • Training new staff
  • Troubleshooting QC failures/calibration
  • Recognizing abnormal or critical results
A few reasons why you might love this job:
  • You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care and contribute to positive health outcomes
  • You will engage in scientifically interesting work that combines technical expertise with real-world application
  • Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, keeping the work dynamic and mentally stimulating
  • You will build a rewarding career in a field where precision, expertise, and attention to detail are highly value
A few challenges you might face in this job:
  • Managing very tight turnaround times while ensuring high-quality and timely results
  • Troubleshooting equipment issues quickly and effectively to minimize disruptions to operations
  • Keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology
  • Maintaining constant safety awareness while working in environments with potential exposure to biohazards
Competencies Required:
Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
Mathematical Facility: Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
Innovation: Imagining and devising new and better ways of doing things
Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal

The eligible list established may fill future vacancies from this recruitment and may remain in effect for six (6) months.
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist issued by the California State Department of Public Health.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing varied clinical tests and analyses.

**PLEASE ATTACH PROOF OF YOUR LICENSE TO YOUR APPLICATION**

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and methodologies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently

Selection Process

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

2. Training and Experience Evaluation: At the time of filing, within the supplemental questionnaire, candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire. Candidates who clearly meet the minimum qualifications, as described above, will have their training and experience responses evaluated, which will determine their score and rank on the eligible list. The training and experience questionnaire is designed to measure the candidate's relevant education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position. (Weighted 100%).

3. Final Selection Interviews: The hiring manager interviews will be scheduled directly by the unit/division once the eligible list is established.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel, Recruitment Team at [email protected]


01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training and to assist Human Resources staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."
  • I understand

02

Do you have a valid license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist issued by the California State Department of Public Health?
  • Yes, I have a valid license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist issued by the California State Department of Public Health AND have attached a copy to my application
  • No, I do not have a valid license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist issued by the California State Department of Public Health

03

How many years of experience do you have working as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing varied clinical tests and analyses?
  • I do not have experience working as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing varied clinical tests and analyses
  • I have less than two (2) years of experience working as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing varied clinical tests and analyses
  • I have two (2) years or more of experience working as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing varied clinical tests and analyses

04

Do you have any experience in any of the following specialty areas?
  • Bacteriology
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • POCT
  • Transfusion Services

05

How many years of experience do you have as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing bacteriology?
  • None or less than two (2) years of experience
  • At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience
  • At least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience
  • At least four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience
  • Five (5) or more years of experience

06

How many years of experience do you have reviewing technical journals and quality control standards to ensure they meet all State, Federal and other regulatory agencies regulations?
  • None or less than two (2) years of experience
  • At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience
  • At least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience
  • At least four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience
  • Five (5) or more years of experience

07

How many years of experience do you have as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing hematology?
  • None or less than two (2) years of experience
  • At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience
  • At least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience
  • At least four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience
  • Five (5) or more years of experience

08

How many years of experience do you have as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing POCT?
  • None or less than two (2) years of experience
  • At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience
  • At least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience
  • At least four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience
  • Five (5) or more years of experience

09

How many years of experience do you have as a licensed scientist in a clinical laboratory performing transfusion services?
  • None or less than two (2) years of experience
  • At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience
  • At least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience
  • At least four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience
  • Five (5) or more years of experience

10

How many years of experience do you have writing and updating quality control policies and procedures manuals for all equipment and tests?
  • None or less than two (2) years of experience
  • At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience
  • At least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience
  • At least four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience
  • At least five (5) or more years of experience

11

Please list the clinical laboratory services you performed that are different than the other specialties listed above.If you have not performed other specialties, please state "N/A".
12

By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.
  • I understand

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