Clinical Lab Scientist, TRANSFUSION SERVICES
Job Description
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 | Task A: Perform Transfusion Service Procedures, both routine and problem solving
|
20 | Yes | Task B: Communicate effectively. Enter data/test results into computer accurately.
|
10 | Yes | Task C: Use and/or operate Blood Bank equipment correctly.
|
5 | Yes | Task D: Perform additional tests, projects or special studies when requested by a supervisor.
|
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.
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license