Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in California
Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated across hospital systems, academic medical centers, public health laboratories, and integrated health networks, with openings at every level from entry-level generalist through senior specialist and laboratory supervisor. The largest hiring activity is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where systems like Kaiser Permanente, UCSF Health, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center maintain deep and ongoing demand. The most in-demand specialties are clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology, reflecting the complexity of California's patient populations and its strong life sciences infrastructure. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 162+ Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs
Under the general direction of the Laboratory Director, or their designee, performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical procedures and analyses to provide data for health maintenance, diagnoses, treatment and monitoring of medical conditions. Assigns, directs, and monitors the work of Clinical Laboratory Scientists and other laboratory personnel. Enhances quality of patient care and service through interdepartmental cooperation and quality assurance protocols. Assists in ensuring compliance to laboratory policies and procedures.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assigns, directs, and monitors the work of Clinical Lab Scientists and other personnel.
- Trains laboratory assistants on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practice.
- Trains Clinical Lab Scientists and other laboratory personnel on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practices.
- Correctly verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the correct patients and that the correct test is being performed.
- Judges the adequacy and qualities of specimens submitted for testing.
- Analyzes clinical laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures approved by the Laboratory Director or designee.
- Performs quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data. Assist with Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement activities consistent with the Laboratory Quality Plan.
- Utilizes test reference ranges (including neonates, pediatric and adult) to determine reasonableness of test results
- Validates test results through correlation with test parameters (e.g. Hgb/Hct, anion gap, platelet count/smear, dipstick/micro etc).
- Confirms testing on all Critical Values to ensure accuracy prior to releasing of test results.
- Performs routine preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on assigned instruments and equipment according to established schedule and procedure.
- Performs and documents instrument function by checking and calibrating specific lab instruments and documents data.
- Records on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment. Releases or reports results per Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.
- Trains laboratory assistants, and other Clinical Lab Scientist, on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practice.
- Directly supervises incumbents in the Clinical Laboratory.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.
- Consistently supports the precepts of Corporate Compliance and Principles of Responsibility by maintaining confidentiality, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with integrity, reporting observed fraud and abuse and complying with applicable state, federal and local laws and program policies and procedures.
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3 years experience as a Clinical Lab Scientist.
- Baccalaureate degree in Clinical Lab Sciences or related field. Applicable military experience may be substituted for a bachelors degree.
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California) OR Clinical Laboratory Bioanalyst License (California)
- Able to perform all duties of a Senior Clinical Lab Scientist.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and competence to perform and check all work required of those supervised in accordance with applicable CLIA regulations.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to write technical policies and procedures.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other incumbents of the organization.
- Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
- Also refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.
- Prior supervisory experience preferred. Computer application experience/proficiency preferred.
PrimaryLocation : California,San Rafael,San Rafael Hospital
HoursPerWeek : 40
Shift : Day
Workdays : Week 1: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat; Week 2: Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
WorkingHoursStart : 06:30 AM
WorkingHoursEnd : 03:00 PM
Job Schedule : Full-time
Job Type : Standard
Employee Status : Regular
Employee Group/Union Affiliation : A12|IFPTE|Local 20
Job Level : Individual Contributor
Job Category : Laboratory
Department : San Rafael Hospital - Pathology/Lab-Clinical Lab - 0206
Travel : No
Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.
Under the general direction of the Laboratory Director, or their designee, performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical procedures and analyses to provide data for health maintenance, diagnoses, treatment and monitoring of medical conditions. Assigns, directs, and monitors the work of Clinical Laboratory Scientists and other laboratory personnel. Enhances quality of patient care and service through interdepartmental cooperation and quality assurance protocols. Assists in ensuring compliance to laboratory policies and procedures.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assigns, directs, and monitors the work of Clinical Lab Scientists and other personnel.
- Trains laboratory assistants on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practice.
- Trains Clinical Lab Scientists and other laboratory personnel on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practices.
- Correctly verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the correct patients and that the correct test is being performed.
- Judges the adequacy and qualities of specimens submitted for testing.
- Analyzes clinical laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures approved by the Laboratory Director or designee.
- Performs quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data. Assist with Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement activities consistent with the Laboratory Quality Plan.
- Utilizes test reference ranges (including neonates, pediatric and adult) to determine reasonableness of test results
- Validates test results through correlation with test parameters (e.g. Hgb/Hct, anion gap, platelet count/smear, dipstick/micro etc).
- Confirms testing on all Critical Values to ensure accuracy prior to releasing of test results.
- Performs routine preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on assigned instruments and equipment according to established schedule and procedure.
- Performs and documents instrument function by checking and calibrating specific lab instruments and documents data.
- Records on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment. Releases or reports results per Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.
- Trains laboratory assistants, and other Clinical Lab Scientist, on proper techniques/procedures related to clinical laboratory practice.
- Directly supervises incumbents in the Clinical Laboratory.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.
- Consistently supports the precepts of Corporate Compliance and Principles of Responsibility by maintaining confidentiality, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with integrity, reporting observed fraud and abuse and complying with applicable state, federal and local laws and program policies and procedures.
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3 years experience as a Clinical Lab Scientist.
- Baccalaureate degree in Clinical Lab Sciences or related field. Applicable military experience may be substituted for a bachelors degree.
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (California) OR Clinical Laboratory Bioanalyst License (California)
- Able to perform all duties of a Senior Clinical Lab Scientist.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and competence to perform and check all work required of those supervised in accordance with applicable CLIA regulations.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to write technical policies and procedures.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other incumbents of the organization.
- Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
- Also refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.
- Prior supervisory experience preferred. Computer application experience/proficiency preferred.
PrimaryLocation : California,San Rafael,San Rafael Hospital
HoursPerWeek : 40
Shift : Day
Workdays : Week 1: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat; Week 2: Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
WorkingHoursStart : 06:30 AM
WorkingHoursEnd : 03:00 PM
Job Schedule : Full-time
Job Type : Standard
Employee Status : Regular
Employee Group/Union Affiliation : A12|IFPTE|Local 20
Job Level : Individual Contributor
Job Category : Laboratory
Department : San Rafael Hospital - Pathology/Lab-Clinical Lab - 0206
Travel : No
Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.
See All 162+ Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in California
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Find JobsMedical Laboratory Scientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Medical Laboratory Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kaiser Permanente18
- Adventist Health12
- University of Southern California12
- Prime Healthcare Services10
- Sutter Health8
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services15
- Medical Devices2
- Education1
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical laboratory scientist jobs across California.
- Active California clinical laboratory scientist license issued by CDPH or equivalent
- Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or related field
- Certification from ASCP, AMT, or equivalent national certifying body required or preferred
- Proficiency across core disciplines including hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and immunology
- Experience operating and troubleshooting automated analyzers and laboratory information systems
- Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and California Department of Public Health regulatory requirements
Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a medical laboratory scientist in California?
To work as a medical laboratory scientist in California, you must hold a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services. Candidates typically complete a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related biological science, followed by an accredited training program. National certification from ASCP or AMT is not required by California law but strengthens licensure applications and is expected by most employers.
Which companies hire medical laboratory scientists in California?
Employers hiring medical laboratory scientists in California right now include Kaiser Permanente, Adventist Health, and University of Southern California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense network of integrated health systems, county public health laboratories, and academic medical centers means consistent openings across both large urban campuses and community hospital sites.
Which California cities have the most medical laboratory scientist jobs?
Los Angeles, Arcadia, and San Luis Obispo have the most medical laboratory scientist openings in California. Los Angeles and the surrounding region drive the largest share of listings, supported by its concentration of major health systems, county hospitals, and specialty clinics, while San Francisco and San Diego benefit from academic medical centers and a robust life sciences industry that supports reference and research laboratory operations.
Are there remote medical laboratory scientist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Medical laboratory science is fundamentally hands-on work performed on patient specimens using instrumentation that requires physical presence in a laboratory. About 7% of medical laboratory scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in laboratory management, informatics, quality assurance, or consulting rather than bench science roles.
How can I get hired as a medical laboratory scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a California-accredited clinical laboratory training program, many of which are affiliated with UC Health campuses, Kaiser Permanente, or county hospital systems that take on trainees as part of the pathway to CLS licensure. Candidates who have worked as medical laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, or laboratory assistants in California facilities often have an easier time securing sponsorship into a training slot. Obtaining your California CLS license, even as a new graduate, is the single credential that moves an application forward with most employers.
Where can I find and apply to medical laboratory scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to medical laboratory scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring right now. Find roles that fit your experience, credentials, and preferred location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 162+ Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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