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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Under supervision, performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of all testing with speed and accuracy as authorized under California State Business ...

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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$44.3K

$98.5K

$159.6K

How much do clinical laboratory scientist trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical laboratory scientist trainee in Riverside, CA is $98,505.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical laboratory scientist trainee?

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals gaining hands-on experience in a clinical lab setting under supervision. Trainees assist in performing diagnostic tests on patient samples, learning lab procedures, and ensuring quality control. This role is typically part of a structured training program required for licensure or certification as a CLS. The position helps develop technical skills, adherence to safety regulations, and an understanding of lab operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the clinical laboratory scientist trainee position?

To thrive as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee, you need foundational knowledge of biology, chemistry, and laboratory practices, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or enrollment in an accredited program. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and adherence to safety protocols is essential for accurate testing. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set top candidates apart. Mastering these skills ensures high-quality results, patient safety, and compliance with clinical regulations in a laboratory setting.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a clinical laboratory scientist trainee?

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee, your daily responsibilities often include preparing specimens, performing routine laboratory tests under supervision, accurately recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. You'll work closely with licensed scientists and lab technicians, gaining hands-on experience with various testing methodologies and instruments. Trainees are also expected to follow strict safety and quality control procedures and to participate in ongoing training sessions. This role provides valuable exposure to the collaborative and fast-paced environment of a clinical laboratory, building a strong foundation for future advancement.

How to become a clinical laboratory scientist?

To become a clinical laboratory scientist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or a related field. Completing an accredited program and obtaining certification, such as the ASCP certification, are often required, along with gaining laboratory experience and meeting state licensing requirements where applicable.

How much money does a clinical laboratory scientist trainee make?

A clinical laboratory scientist trainee typically earns an hourly wage or stipend that varies by location and employer, often ranging from minimum wage to around $20 per hour during training periods. Salaries increase with experience, certification, and additional skills in laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

How hard is it to get into a clinical laboratory scientist trainee program?

Getting into a clinical laboratory scientist trainee program typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or a related field, along with strong academic performance. Some programs also prefer applicants with certification or laboratory experience, and competition can be moderate depending on the program's popularity and location.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,505 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Department of Human Services

Riverside, CA โ€ข On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Make a difference where it matters most! Join the Indian Health Service as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist providing vital, life-saving diagnostics to
American Indian communities. Advance your career, enjoy competitive benefits, and be part of a mission that transforms lives every day. Apply
today!
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).Qualifications:To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Education:
A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
OR
B.
A full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.
OR
C. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five (5) years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-07: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: conducting standardized clinical laboratory testing in areas such as chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, serology, and immunology using established procedures; collecting and preparing patient specimens for routine analysis; operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment; preparing reagents and quality control materials; recognizing abnormal findings or testing discrepancies and reporting issues to supervisory or professional staff; and performing quality control, maintaining laboratory records, and following biosafety, infection control, and accreditation requirements.
OR
Completion of one (1) year of graduate-level education from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science/medical technology, a discipline or specialized area of medical technology, or a field directly related and applicable to medical technology or the position to be filled.
OR
A combination of graduate education and specialized experience that, when combined, meet the minimum qualifications as described above for the GS-07 grade level.
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science/medical technology, a discipline or specialized area of medical technology, or a directly related field applicable to the position. Applicants must also meet one of the following Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) requirements: (1) a cumulative GPA of 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale; (2) a GPA of 3.45 or higher in the major field of study or during the last two years of undergraduate study; (3) graduation in the top third of the graduating class; or (4) membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
GS-09: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: conducting laboratory testing in areas such as chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, and immunohematology using established laboratory procedures; evaluating specimen suitability and preparing specimens for analysis; operating, calibrating, standardizing, troubleshooting, and maintaining laboratory instrumentation; preparing reagents, controls, and reference materials and verifying equipment performance; recognizing abnormal or unusual results, identifying instrument malfunctions, implementing corrective actions, validating test data, and consulting with supervisory staff regarding significant findings or quality control issues; and performing quality control activities while maintaining compliance with biosafety, infection control, accreditation, and laboratory regulatory requirements.
OR
Completion of 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science/medical technology, a discipline or specialized area of medical technology, or a field directly related and applicable to medical technology or the position to be filled.
OR
A combination of graduate education and specialized experience that, when combined, meet the minimum qualifications as described above for the GS-09 grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester hours may be used in combination with specialized experience.
GS-11: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: conducting and evaluating complex clinical laboratory testing in areas such as chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, and immunohematology using established and adapted methodologies; interpreting test data, evaluating abnormal or unexpected findings, independently troubleshooting testing discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions to ensure accurate laboratory results; calibrating, standardizing, troubleshooting, and maintaining laboratory instrumentation; resolving specimen handling issues and preparing specimens for specialized testing; and performing quality control, supporting proficiency testing and accreditation activities, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety, infection control, and regulatory standards.
OR
Completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science/medical technology, a discipline or specialized area of medical technology, or a field directly related and applicable to medical technology or the position to be filled.
OR
A combination of graduate education and specialized experience that, when combined, meet the minimum qualifications as described above for the GS-11 grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the first 36 semester hours may be used in combination with specialized experience.
Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration. Education:This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER