Clinical Lab Scientist Specialist

UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist to support laboratory services that help meet the healthcare needs of our students. The ideal candidate will possess technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality and accuracy in a clinical setting.

The Student Health Center laboratory is open on weekdays only. No evening or weekend hours are required.

While full time employment is preferred, the option of a 4 day per week schedule can be discussed at interview. Additionally, this position offers an optional 4-week summer furlough after the first year of employment. Positions with summer work breaks contain regularly scheduled periods during which the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist remains an employee, and retains health benefits, but is not paid and not at work.

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) is the county's largest employer and one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Perched on the coast overlooking Monterey Bay, our main campus offers a stunning setting and a vibrant community where over 3,100 staff members build meaningful careers, enjoy comprehensive benefits, and contribute to a mission that makes a difference.

UCSC offers staff a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health and well-being.

Here is a sample of benefit options:

* Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
* UC Retirement Pension Plan
* Optional life, legal, and pet insurance
* Paid holidays, plus accrued vacation and sick leave
* Discounts at UCSC recreation facilities

For details, please visit: UCnet-Benefits

Thank you for your interest in joining the UC Santa Cruz community.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-04-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Student Health Services (SHS) is a full-service medical facility offering clinical, educational, and psychological support to UCSC students. SHS is deeply committed to ensuring affordable, well-integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare that effectively supports the university's diverse campus communities through equitable access and culturally competent, high-quality programs and services.

The Primary Care Program offers primary care and same-day care services, supported by on-site radiology, a COLA-accredited clinical laboratory, and the campus pharmacy offering prescription and over-the-counter products. Counseling and Psychological Services, Case Management, and Psychiatry services are available for crisis intervention, mental health support, and outreach services.

Additional departments include Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP), home of the Condom Co-op, the Cove Collegiate Recovery Program (CCRP), where students receive harm-reduction and recovery services; CARE (Center for Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment) the advocacy and prevention education office that supports those who have experienced sexual assault, stalking, and dating/domestic violence; Optometry, and Student Insurance and Referral Programs.

Student Health Services serves graduate and undergraduate students. Services include a Same-Day Clinic for acute medical conditions as well as appointments for less acute conditions, chronic conditions, and health maintenance. Student Health Services also has psychiatry, allergy and immunization clinics, as well as an in-house pharmacy, x-ray, and laboratory services.

Student Health Services employs approximately 150 staff and welcomes staff with an interest and experience working with college students with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and gender identities.

More information can be found at healthcenter.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Student Health Services (SHS) Clinical Lab Manager and the SHS Lab Director, this Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS) serves as one of the clinical laboratory technologist specialists at UCSC Student Health Services.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist is responsible for maintaining biological sample testing services at the Student Health Services Laboratory and performs all diagnostic in-house testing in hematology, urinalysis, microbiology, and whole blood glucose determination. The incumbent also performs phlebotomy as needed to obtain samples for testing. The CLS uses the in-house practice management system and the laboratory information system (LIS).

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $49.97-$59.72/hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Residual Health Care Professionals (HX)

Job Code Classification: CLIN LAB SCI SPEC (008939)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Diagnostic Testing

• Independently performs clinical tests. Applies technical principles and techniques of medical technology with proficiency.
• Performs test calibrations and runs Quality Control material at appropriate intervals with the proper documentation. Reports any shifts or trends to a Clinical Laboratory Manager or Supervisor.
• Determines the acceptability of specimens for testing according to established criteria in testing procedures.
• Enters results of testing accurately. Checks the computer review reports to monitor accurate reporting of laboratory results. Monitors and performs the necessary corrective measures for test requests pending for test results.
• Performs and records proficiency testing accurately, and promptly informs supervisor of any concerns related to the proficiency testing materials.
• Evaluates the acceptability of routine analysis prior to releasing patient reports. Takes appropriate action in response to critical values or unusual or unexpected results, and documents action taken.

25% - Lab Maintenance

• Performs preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, documenting actions taken based on approved schedule.
• Evaluates the results of instrument performance checks. Performs linearity, accuracy, and precision checks as required.
• Identifies issues and initiates troubleshooting steps to evaluate testing failures and other problems, if necessary. Contacts manufacturer for additional assistance or field service support, if required, and notifies/updates the laboratory supervisor.
• Participates in the introduction of new tests, procedures, and methodologies in the lab, including but not limited to evaluation, validation, testing, interface connectivity issues, and other related matters.
• Monitors and maintains a consistent supply of reagents and consumables. Performs inventory of reagents, supplies, and other consumables to ensure no disruption in laboratory operations.

5% - Workplace Support

• Maintains a safe and neat work area, being mindful of universal precautions.
• Maintains a cooperative working relationship with co-workers. Encourages a collaborative, team-supporting work environment by assisting co-workers with their responsibilities whenever possible.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in related area
• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License in good standing
• Knowledge of laboratory health education guidelines and community practice
• Knowledge of the use of proper safety and protective equipment with regard to universal precautions and blood-borne pathogens and laboratory reagent use
• Ability to work with the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and electronic medical record
• Written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing with patients, colleagues, and staff members
• Oral communication skills; excellent listening skills; ability to receive and give clear and concise information and communicate clearly and effectively with patients, colleagues, and staff members
• Demonstrated flexibility and organizational skills to prioritize a high-volume workload
• Ability to function in a positive, cooperative manner with management and supervisory staff, clinical and clerical staff, and patients
• Ability to contribute to a team effort, complete assignments in a timely and responsible manner

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience performing complete blood counts (CBC) and smear reviews
• Experience performing urinalysis especially urine microscopy
• Experience performing molecular testing
• Experience and demonstrated ability to perform phlebotomy

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a current State of California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license in good standing
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire criminal history background check and a pre-hire credentialing check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test within 60 days of hire.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility (HIPAA) training within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Will be required to comply with current Student Health Center employee health safety requirements for health care workers as defined by state and federal regulatory agencies. Current health safety requirements are discussed during interview.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.