Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist II)

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary San Diego State University’s Student Health Services is seeking a skilled and dedicated Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist to provide accurate, high-quality diagnostic testing in support of student health and wellness. This role combines hands-on laboratory testing with leadership responsibilities, ensuring smooth daily operations, quality assurance, and mentorship for lab staff in a collaborative campus health environment. Key Responsibilities: Clinical Laboratory Services Perform and oversee routine, complex, and advanced testing across multiple disciplines. Analyze and validate results, applying corrective action as needed. Maintain proficiency in diagnostic methodologies, including microscopic, molecular, and immunologic testing. Ensure specimen handling and testing processes meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Support specimen collection and assist with phlebotomy as needed. Lead & Technical Oversight Provide lead direction to Clinical Laboratory Scientists and support staff. Coordinate workflow to meet clinical demands and turnaround times. Serve as a technical resource for testing methodologies and result interpretation. Troubleshoot instrumentation and workflow issues. Support inspection readiness, compliance efforts, and staff development. Quality Control & Compliance Oversee quality control and assurance activities. Ensure proper calibration and performance of laboratory instrumentation. Monitor data integrity within the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Maintain required regulatory documentation and records. Operational Support Coordinate laboratory supplies and resources. Contribute to process improvements and special projects. Maintain a safe, organized, and professional laboratory environment. Why Join Us? Make a Meaningful Impact Deliver essential diagnostic services that support student health and academic success. Lead in a Collaborative Setting Work alongside physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary environment. Advance Quality & Excellence Play a key role in maintaining high standards, compliance readiness, and continuous improvement. Position Information This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity is responsible for the coordination and development of student services and building the inclusive excellence of SDSU's staff and faculty at San Diego State University. Departments include, but not limited to, Assistant Deans for Student Affairs; Career Services; Communications Services; Counseling & Psychological Services; Cultural and Identity Centers; Center for Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success; Financial Aid and Scholarships; Military Veterans Program; New Student and Parent Programs; Office of the Student Ombudsman; Residential Education; Resource Management; Student Disability Center; Student Health Services; Student Life and Leadership; Student Rights and Responsibilities; Testing Services Office; Well-being & Health Promotion; and programming related to Inclusive Excellence. Student Health Services offers primary medical care and health promotion to students of San Diego State University through a wide range of programs and services. Care is provided by board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and other medical staff, including nurses, clinical laboratory scientists, x-ray technologists, medical assistants, and pharmacists. In addition to the basic medical care, Student Health Services offers health education, orthopedics, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and psychiatry. The mission of SDSU Student Health Services is to provide high-quality, convenient, student-focused medical care in a safe and welcoming environment, actively partnering with our student-patients to help them achieve and maintain healthy lives in support of their personal and academic success. For more information regarding the Student Health Services department, click here . Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or equivalent from an accredited institution or equivalent postsecondary education, training and experience as defined by the California Division of Laboratory Science or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities. Plus two years of progressively responsible administrative and technical work within a clinical laboratory. Key Qualifications Experience serving as a lead or supervisor within a laboratory setting. Experience with policy and procedure development and accreditation or inspection readiness. Experience working in a health services or clinical laboratory; experience in a college health setting is a plus. Laboratory “generalist” with 3-5 years of experience is preferred. Recent (past three years) phlebotomy experience is preferred. Licenses/Certifications Required Possess and maintain a valid California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license. Compensation and Benefits San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Compensation : Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines. Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 9 ($7,476). Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement. CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,381 - $9,296 per month (Step 1-Step 20). Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations. Full Benefits Package Includes : Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC. Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost. Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents. Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans. Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities. Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview . SDSU Values At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion. Principles of Community At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. Supplemental Information Apply by March 20, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here . Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu .

Keywords: San Diego State University, Colton , Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist II), Healthcare , San Diego, California