What does a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist do?
Clinical laboratory scientists analyze various biological specimens and are responsible for testing samples and reporting the results to physicians. They collaborate closely with patients and medical laboratory technicians to diagnose and monitor disease and a therapy’s effectiveness. They work in medical facilities like hospitals or public health laboratories and examine and analyze blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells. They relay test results to appropriate staff members, including physicians, and need familiarity and ease-of-use when utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment.
Clinical laboratory scientists cross-match blood for transfusions when necessary and monitor patient outcomes. They perform differential cell counts and check for abnormal cells to help diagnose conditions including anemia or leukemia. They establish quality assurance protocols and ensure test results are accurate. Clinical laboratory scientists need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science, completion of a clinical laboratory program, or an internship through a hospital-based program as part of their education. They also need certification as a clinical laboratory scientist.
- Contribute to informed consent forms development and other study related documents.
- Ensure completeness and quality of data submitted from study sites.
- Confer with managerial staff for resolution of problems, if necessary.
- Anticipate, identify and proactively support site in resolving issues as they occur.
- Perform test calibrations and run QC material at appropriate intervals.
- Work with external experts to develop abstracts, manuscripts and study design presentations.
- Review site activities and quality through on-site and off-site visits.
- Initiate, author, and/or contribute to SOP development, implementation and training.
- Contribute significantly to study team and coaches site staff to enhance site and hub performance.
- Maintain proper inventories and correctly use supplies and reagents.
- Participate and present at Investigator meetings or similar.
- Assist in documentation and maintain, effective department QA/QC programs and monitors.
- Perform complex procedures for clinical diagnostic purposes.
- Utilize inspection tools to include (Thermometer, light meter, and flashlight.)
- Resolve problems using national and international regulations, guidelines, and investigator interaction.
- Maintain, documents and evaluate QC to assure accuracy of test results to meet federal and state criteria.
- Perform laboratory procedures as required and serves as an expert resource for technical issues.
- Lead the day to day operations of the community, including full P and L responsibility.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in laboratory science, biology, engineering or medical technology or equivalent experience.
- Experience with ASCP, R Language, C# and BCLS software and systems.
- A critical thinker and collaborator.
- Sound judgment, decision making, and problem solving skills.
- Strict attention to detail.
- Is a professional at all times and Demonstrated a positive attitude.
- Familiar working with slides, statistics, computing, and calibration.
How much does a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$105,583
/ yrLead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Path
Learn how to become a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Insights
YORKTEST“There are some really great people in the lab who make the job a lot more enjoyable.”
Drugscan“Morale was low when I left and I can’t imagine it has gotten any better.”
Kaiser Permanente“Everyone seemed happy to have a student and never made me feel like I was in the way.”
Guardant Health“One thing I can guarantee you is that Guardant Health is a highly ethical company that truly puts patients first.”
Ascension Health“Good luck getting the remaining techs to pick up shifts if there is no substantial monetary bonus.”
Eurofins Scientific“some of the people are really nice and friendly.”
LifeStream Blood Bank“People are nice and helpful.”
Pace Analytical“I also received decent pay for my experience and position.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Research
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Systems Analyst
The most common qualifications to become a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist include a minimum of a science degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.