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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Job Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) / Lab Manager
- Facility Name: Kern Valley Healthcare District
- Facility Address: 6412 Laurel Ave, Lake Isabella, CA 93240
- Shift Information: Open Shift
- Number of Weeks: 26 (Extendable)
- Guaranteed Hours: Minimum 36 Hours/Week
- Overtime Available: Starts After 40 Hours
Pay Package Details
Hourly Rate: $80/HR
OT/Holiday Rate: $120/HR
* Weekly Gross: $2,880 based on 36 Hours
Job Description
Kern Valley Healthcare District is seeking an experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) / Lab Manager to oversee and coordinate all functions of the Clinical Laboratory. This position is responsible for laboratory operations, staffing, budgeting, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, personnel management, and ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely laboratory services.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct all laboratory functions
- Manage staffing, scheduling, recruitment, training, and staff development
- Develop and maintain departmental budgets and cost-control initiatives
- Establish and maintain laboratory policies, procedures, and quality standards
- Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, state, federal, and regulatory requirements
- Monitor quality control documentation and laboratory performance metrics
- Supervise daily laboratory operations and workflow
- Conduct employee evaluations, coaching, and performance management
- Evaluate and implement new testing methodologies and laboratory instrumentation
- Collaborate with physicians, pathologists, administration, and other departments
- Ensure 24/7 laboratory coverage and operational readiness
- Lead performance improvement and quality assurance initiatives
- Maintain safe laboratory practices and patient confidentiality
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field
- Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) License or California Medical Technologist License
- ASCP Certification preferred
- Minimum 2+ years of Clinical Laboratory experience
- Previous Laboratory Leadership or Management experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of laboratory equipment, testing procedures, and quality control
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Basic computer proficiency required
Facility Information
Facility: Kern Valley Healthcare District
Location: Lake Isabella, California
EMR: CPSI / Evident
Contract Length: 26 Weeks
* Extension Potential Available
Interested candidates please send your updated resume to: Pinku@smartitframe.com
See All 194+ 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
- Altos Labs12

- Genentech12

- Natera9

- Revolution Medicines8

- Calico Life Sciences6

Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals100
- Science & Research45
- Healthcare & Medical Services26
- Medical Devices14
- Education7
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 Altos Labs, Genentech, and Natera, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
South San Francisco, San Francisco, and San Diego 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 4% of medical laboratory scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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.
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