Clinical Chemistry Scientist

CDPH is currently hiring a Clinical Chemistry Scientist (Research Scientist) within our Center for Family Health's (CFH) Genetic Disease Screening Program (GDSP). In this role, you will ensure that testing activities within the Technical/General Supervisor Section of the high-complexity Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified genetic screening laboratory are conducted in compliance with established quality assurance protocols. Testing is performed on dried blood spots, serum, plasma, and whole blood specimens from newborns to detect genetic disorders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs clinical laboratory activity and testing in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines
• Identifies and documents quality control issues and initiates remedial actions per laboratory protocols, including specimen retrieval, punching, reagent preparation, and sample processing
• Ensures adherence to predetermined quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards and validates test results accordingly
• Performs routine maintenance and documentation for laboratory instruments, sets up and reviews instrument runs, and manages high-throughput specimen analysis using complex methodologies such as alpha-acid glycosidase and alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme assays
• Performs and reports laboratory test results (manually and automated) according to established guidelines and acts as technical scientific consultant regarding predetermined guidelines for operation of laboratory instrumentation and equipment to accurately generate test results
• Completes appropriate logs, checklists, and other record-keeping documentation for instrument maintenance and performance
• Verifies instrumentation and equipment are operating properly and initiates troubleshooting of errant laboratory instrumentation and equipment as needed
• Coordinates with program contract analyst for the purchase of assay-specific chemicals, reagents, supplies, and services for the continuation of uninterrupted screenings under CLIA guidelines
• Reviews and releases/reports assay results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and compiles detailed quality control reports for assays conducted within the laboratory for the review of appropriate personnel
• Performs clinical testing utilizing advanced analytical platforms including immunoassays, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and other techniques
• Interprets test data, assists with method development and optimization under the direction of the technical supervisor or laboratory director, and collaborates with contract analysts to manage purchasing and inventory maintenance for these tests

Residency Requirement:

Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.