Clinical Laboratory Scientist I - Exagen Inc.

Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to transforming the care continuum for patients suffering from debilitating and chronic autoimmune diseases. Our goal is to enable rheumatologists to improve care for patients through the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of complex autoimmune and autoimmune-related diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. By leveraging our proprietary Cell-Bound Complement Activation Products, or CB-CAPs, technology, we help get to the real cause of a patient’s symptoms and guide their journey to improved health.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phase testing of all complexities as defined by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act/Amendment (CLIA) to include specialized tests and analysis in Automated Chemistry to obtain data for use in diagnosis and recording laboratory test results.

Note: Other duties may be assigned

• Follow all company policies and procedures: general policies, Exposure Control, Chemical Hazard, Illness and Injury Prevention Program and Quality Assurance Program Understands the hazards associated with failing to follow those procedures
• Perform Quality Control (QC) procedures and interpretation of clinical values, including critical values and delta checks. Knows when test results are reportable and what to do in case of Quality Control failure
• Perform and log routine daily, weekly and monthly maintenance and calibration of laboratory instrumentation according to protocols.
• Set up and run lab tests in Automated Chemistry Laboratory (ELISA, Chemiluminescent Assays).
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of instrument operation
• Perform, evaluate and report all routine laboratory tests in Automated Chemistry according to established protocols. Strictly adheres to written procedures
• Know protocol for handling critical values including rerunning tests and review of past results.
• Interact with different areas in the organization, when necessary and appropriate, when results need to be communicated. Handle and investigate complaint, problem and discrepancy, as needed.
• Apply current scientific principles to clinical situations
• Performs analysis with professional knowledge and interpretive judgment
• Appropriately addresses analytical and system performance
• Participate in the Quality Assurance program and in in-service education programs such as but not limited to:

1. Identify and record nonconformance's on Corrective Action Requests
2. Identify and record potential nonconformance's on Preventive Action Requests
3. Correct nonconformance's and potential nonconformance's
4. Improve laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis
5. Oversee, review, and verify work of Laboratory Technician
6. Maintain detailed account of results with great attention to accuracy
7. Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
8. Adhere to infection-control and hazardous waste policies and protocols; following identification procedures
9. Perform and release test results classified by CLIA as waived, moderate or highly complex
10. Perform equipment maintenance activities
11. Monitor and maintain consumable inventory including reagents and supplies for each of the laboratory workstations
12. Performs general laboratory, equipment, and benchtop clean-up
13. Provides laboratory support in the daily maintenance and surface decontamination of general laboratory equipment

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• At least 3 years’ experience in the general lab or relevant laboratory experience
• A current and valid California State Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (CLS) or Clinical Chemistry Scientist (CCS).
• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution
  • Or have earned an associate degree in laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to work Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM or 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM) and overtime hours as needed.
• Must be able to use general office equipment including computer, telephone, copier, etc.

Pay range: $56/hr - $62/hr