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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We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
Organization:
SMCS-Sutter Med Center - SacramentoPosition Overview:
This is a limited term position with an anticipated duration of approximately one year.Functions as the technical and clinical subject matter expert in one or more areas of the laboratory. Duties routinely include evaluating Quality Control (QC) and Proficiency Testing (PT), taking corrective action when needed, as well as periodically summarizing QC and PT results in reports or graphs for Medical Director review. Also performs a variety of Quality Assurance (QA) duties such as review of records (patient testing, instrument maintenance, temperature, etc), taking corrective action when needed. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of technological advances and accreditation requirements related to assigned areas of the Laboratory. Plays a key role in maintaining accreditation readiness; participates in accreditation surveys and regulatory agency inspections. Advises on, and provides guidance for, technical and clinical problem-solving or trouble-shooting, ensuring accurate and actionable test results. Advises on the technical aspects when new policies, procedures and protocols are being developed and implemented. Develops and coordinates the completion of validation and verification plans for new procedures and equipment. Develops training material and competence assessments for new procedures and equipment. Trains and assesses the competency of co-workers. Routinely performs all duties of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, in one or more areas of the Laboratory. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure patient privacy and maintain the highest level of safety and reliability in testing.
Job Description:
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field
CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:
CA Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
5 years recent relevant experience.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in one or more assigned clinical specialty areas; examples: Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis and Transfusion Service.
Demonstrates subject matter expertise in one or more technical areas of the Lab. Is knowledgeable as to regulatory and accreditation requirements. Is skilled in QC/QA, equipment troubleshooting, training, assessing competency, procedure development, and technical problem-solving.
Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected time-frames
Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks. Demonstrates sound judgment and problem solving relevant to assigned duties.
Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors
Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to: Fluctuations in volume, Unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or information system failure, Shift-to-shift hand-offs, STAT test orders, Specimen integrity issues, Regular review of pending logs, and Priority assignments, etc.
Adherence to Practices & Procedures: Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.
Job Shift:
Schedule:
Full TimeShift Hours:
8Days of the Week:
VariableWeekend Requirements:
As NeededBenefits:
YesUnions:
NoPosition Status:
Non-ExemptWeekly Hours:
40Employee Status:
Limited Term (Fixed Term)Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $69.46 to $97.24 / hour
The posted pay range is based on the position's primary work location. Candidates who reside and work outside of that location may be subject to a different pay range based on their work location. Candidate starting salaries consider multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
See All 150+ 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
- Adventist Health11

- Sutter Health9

- Kaiser Permanente9

- Prime Healthcare Services9

- Providence7

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services10
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals5
- Education2
- Technology & Software2
- Medical Devices1
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 Adventist Health, Sutter Health, and Kaiser Permanente, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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, Salinas, and Palo Alto 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 10% of medical laboratory scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 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 150+ 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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