Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

Job Description

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist II performs day-to-day, high-complexity patient testing in a molecular clinical laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant diagnostic results within a fast-paced and agile environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and high-complexity patient testing under general supervision, independently navigating moderately complex technical and operational issues.
• Conduct only those high-complexity tests authorized by the laboratory director that align with your education, training, experience, and technical abilities.
• Follow established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Maintain accurate records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are processed and tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Adhere to established quality assurance procedures, documenting all quality control activities, instrument calibrations, procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
• Follow laboratory policies and procedures whenever test systems fall outside established acceptable performance levels, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or the reporting of test results, and either correct these issues or promptly notify appropriate laboratory leadership.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Perform laboratory processing tasks such as sample accessioning, aliquoting, centrifugation, and specimen preparation for molecular assays.
• Execute RNA and DNA molecular laboratory work, including manual PCR (with digital droplet PCR preferred), pipetting, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Accurately complete data entry related to sample accessioning, test results, and quality control records.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues as a results-oriented team player to support laboratory throughput and meet turnaround time expectations.
• Uphold high ethical standards and conduct all laboratory activities in a professional, compliant, and quality-focused manner.

Essential Skills

• BS degree required.
• Minimum of two years of clinical laboratory experience in a high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Experience working in a CLIA/CAP-regulated laboratory performing DNA/RNA testing and PCR-based assays (required at higher CLS levels).
• Hands-on experience with RNA and DNA molecular techniques, including manual PCR (digital droplet PCR preferred).
• Proficiency in pipetting, nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA), and molecular assay preparation.
• Experience with specimen handling, laboratory processing, accessioning, and data entry in a clinical or molecular lab environment.
• Ability to follow detailed laboratory procedures for specimen processing, test analysis, reporting, and record maintenance.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance and quality control principles, including documentation of calibrations, maintenance, and corrective actions.
• Solid subject matter knowledge in clinical and molecular laboratory science.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to share and receive information across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in an agile, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to professional conduct.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of CAP and CLIA regulations is preferable.
• Experience in gastrointestinal-focused molecular diagnostics is beneficial.
• Experience in molecular biology or medical laboratory science.
• Experience with digital droplet PCR is highly preferred.
• Ability to remain flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient in a rapidly evolving laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility, make informed decisions, and be accountable for outcomes.
• Inclusive and collaborative working style, with a focus on achieving results as part of a team.
• Positions may range from Clinical Laboratory Scientist I to III, with CLS I typically requiring at least 1 year of experience in a clinical or molecular lab setting, CLS II typically requiring 2–3 years in a CLIA/CAP clinical molecular lab, and CLS III typically requiring 4+ years in a CLIA/CAP clinical molecular lab working with DNA/RNA and PCR.

Work Environment

This role is based in an onsite clinical laboratory environment, working Monday through Friday during standard daytime hours. The team operates a rotating Saturday schedule approximately every other month. Over time, as the laboratory expands, operations are expected to transition to first and second shifts in the future. The lab focuses on high-complexity molecular diagnostic testing for gastrointestinal health, using advanced RNA- and DNA-based technologies, including proprietary RNA platforms and PCR methodologies. You will work with typical clinical lab equipment such as centrifuges, pipettes, and molecular instruments in a regulated CLIA/CAP environment, following established safety, quality, and documentation standards. The culture emphasizes innovation in diagnostics, collaboration with leading research partners, inclusiveness, professionalism, and a mission-driven focus on improving gastrointestinal health through cutting-edge laboratory science.

#ACTjobsTFS2026

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.