Research Laboratory Scientist

CDPH is currently hiring a Research Laboratory Scientist within our Center for Family Health's Genetic Disease Screening Program! In this role, you will perform laboratory activities 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:

• 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, and 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

• 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

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a bachelors or graduate degree from an accredited college/university in any of the above stated scientific specialties or closely related specialty (registration as a senior student in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of successful completion of the curriculum and the prescribed degree before they may be considered eligible for appointment) and a valid license as a California Clinical Chemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist), or a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist..

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in scientific research discipline, primary focus on biochemistry
• A strong work ethic, good interpersonal, and team-oriented skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptable and flexible to constant changes
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment
• Well-organized and have a positive attitude and professional demeanor