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Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

AI Data Scientist-Furman lab

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Clinical and phenotypic datasets * Survey data * Integrative multi-omics * Dimensionality reduction and clustering * Classification methods and predictive modeling * Drug repurposing * Network ...

Lead clinical care for ESRD patients, including lab tracking, vitals, and treatment planning ... Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required * Current RN license (in good standing) * Minimum 12 ...

New

Lab Tech Sr.

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

At least 1+ years of experience working in an analytical lab. * The ability to work safely with ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Clinical Lab Scientist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$46.5K

$103.2K

$167.3K

How much do clinical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical lab scientist in Santa Rosa, CA is $103,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $130,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical lab scientist?

Clinical Lab Scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids using sophisticated equipment and techniques. Their work is essential for providing accurate and timely information to physicians, ensuring effective patient care. Clinical Lab Scientists must follow strict protocols and maintain quality control to ensure reliable results. They often work in hospitals, clinics, research labs, and public health organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical lab scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory procedures, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science and relevant certification (such as ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate testing and collaboration with healthcare teams. These competencies are crucial for delivering reliable diagnostic results that directly impact patient care and treatment decisions.

How much does a clinical lab scientist make?

A clinical lab scientist typically earns a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the work environment, such as hospitals or diagnostic laboratories, and advanced skills or specialization may lead to higher pay.

What are some common challenges clinical lab scientists face when handling high sample volumes, and how can they manage these effectively?

Clinical Lab Scientists often experience periods of high sample volume, especially during outbreaks or peak hospital admissions. Managing this workload requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with laboratory information systems to track samples efficiently. Effective communication with team members and prioritizing urgent cases help ensure timely and accurate results. Continual process improvement and adherence to quality control protocols also play a key role in maintaining performance under pressure.

What does a clinical lab scientist do?

As a clinical lab scientist, you work in a laboratory to process tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Your duties may include monitoring test quality, analyzing tissue, cells, and body fluids, working with other lab staff, and communicating results to physicians. You identify bacteria and viruses, ensure proper handling of blood and potentially biologically hazardous materials, prepare lab tests, organize samples, review drug levels and toxicology, and make conclusions from test results. A clinical lab scientist typically works for a clinic, doctor's office, research lab, or a diagnostic lab.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Scientist vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (ASCP, AMT)Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, certification (ASCP, AMT)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, smaller labs
Job ResponsibilitiesPerform complex tests, analyze results, supervise lab staffPrepare samples, perform routine tests, maintain equipment

Clinical Lab Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings and require certification. However, Clinical Lab Scientists typically hold a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing and analysis, often supervising others. Medical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree and focus on routine testing and sample preparation. Both roles are essential in healthcare diagnostics, but Clinical Lab Scientists generally have a broader scope of responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Clinical Lab Scientist jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Clinical Lab Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,232 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

CLS - Lab Manager

MLee Medical Employment

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Lead the Future of Diagnostics in the Vineyards of Northern California
When you think of innovation in healthcare, a laboratory might not be the first place that comes to mind - but behind every accurate diagnosis, every successful treatment plan, and every critical care decision, there's a laboratory leader making it all possible.
This is your opportunity to bring your expertise in laboratory science, operations, and people leadership to a high-impact role near Santa Rosa, California - where cutting-edge diagnostics meet the heart of wine country.
As Laboratory Manager, you'll oversee the daily operations of a modern clinical lab and guide a dedicated team of scientists, technologists, and support professionals. You won't just keep things running - you'll drive excellence, ensure compliance, optimize workflows, and bring vision to everything from vendor management to performance improvement. This role offers both strategic oversight and hands-on collaboration with pathologists, technical supervisors, and executive leadership.
And when the workday ends? You'll be surrounded by rolling vineyards, redwood forests, artisan food culture, and ocean breezes - the kind of place where leadership isn't just about climbing, it's about flourishing.
What You'll Do
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including administrative, technical, and fiscal functions
  • Supervise and coach clinical laboratory staff and technical supervisors; lead departmental meetings, 1:1s, and engagement planning
  • Oversee specimen collection, processing, and testing standards, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance
  • Monitor quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) programs; submit plans and reports to support continual growth
  • Partner with pathologists and the Laboratory Medical Director to assess test protocols, draft SOPs, and align with clinical goals
  • Manage budgets, monthly variances, billing reviews, and vendor contracts (including instruments and reference labs)
  • Ensure lab meets CLIA, CAP, and state regulatory standards; lead initiatives related to staff competencies, method evaluation, and proficiency programs
  • Participate in systemwide committees, contribute to service expansion evaluations, and foster multi-disciplinary collaboration
What You'll Bring
Education & Credentials
  • Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, or related field required
  • Master's degree in a healthcare or management discipline preferred
  • Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license required
Experience
  • Minimum 5 years of clinical laboratory experience
  • At least 2 years in a hospital laboratory setting in a supervisory or managerial role
Skills & Competencies
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching abilities
  • High emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills
  • Deep knowledge of compliance frameworks (e.g., CLIA, CAP, TJC)
  • Proven ability to drive quality, efficiency, and operational improvements
  • Comfort navigating both the strategic and hands-on aspects of lab management
Benefits & Work Culture
  • Competitive compensation with opportunity for growth and leadership influence
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Employer-supported retirement savings programs
  • Paid time off, holidays, and work-life balance emphasis
  • Professional development funding and continuing education support
  • Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
  • High-quality instrumentation and vendor relationships to support excellence

A Region Where Science Meets Serenity
Nestled between the Pacific Coast and the Mayacamas Mountains, the area near Santa Rosa offers a lifestyle most only dream of. By day, you'll lead a critical piece of the healthcare system. By evening, you can unwind with a glass of world-class wine, hike through ancient redwood groves, or bike past golden vineyards.
This region is as rich in culture as it is in natural beauty - home to local farmers markets, artisan cheese trails, and an emerging tech and innovation scene. The downtown areas are charming yet cosmopolitan, offering theater, jazz clubs, and farm-to-table dining in equal measure.
For those raising families or looking for more space, the surrounding communities offer exceptional schools, low crime, and easy access to nature. And for the urban explorer, San Francisco is just a scenic drive away, making it easy to balance tranquility with adventure.
Whether you're drawn by the call of leadership or the pull of a more grounded lifestyle, this role lets you have both.
Lead with Purpose. Live with Balance.
If you're a licensed CLS with the heart of a leader, the eye of a scientist, and the vision of a builder - we invite you to explore this opportunity. Your work will shape diagnostics across the care continuum and build a legacy of excellence that will benefit thousands.
Apply now and bring your clinical leadership to a place where precision meets purpose - and where the air smells like lavender and possibility.