Lab Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

This Clinical Laboratory Scientist role offers the opportunity to work as a true generalist in a fast-paced hospital laboratory, processing a wide variety of specimens across multiple specialties. You will support patient care by performing clinical laboratory testing in hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and blood bank, including complex blood banking tasks such as antibody identification and troubleshooting analyzers and quality control issues. This position is ideal for an experienced CLS who thrives in a mid-size, collaborative lab environment and values both professional growth and a supportive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of clinical laboratory testing as a generalist, including hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and blood bank procedures.
• Process all incoming samples from the hospital, handling varying specimen types and volumes depending on shift and patient admissions.
• Prioritize and perform blood bank testing, including antibody identifications, crossmatching, and related immunohematology procedures.
• Conduct chemistry testing, including routine and complex analyses, with a strong focus on troubleshooting and instrument maintenance.
• Respond effectively when quality control results fail by following defined troubleshooting steps, identifying root causes, and documenting corrective actions.
• Address analyzer error codes by performing systematic troubleshooting, coordinating with technical support if needed, and ensuring instruments return to proper operation.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, large hospital environment, maintaining accuracy and turnaround times under variable workloads.
• Rotate through all laboratory benches, including blood bank, ensuring competency and reliability across all testing areas.
• Collaborate closely with fellow CLSs, lab assistants, and the lead on the bench to coordinate workflow and support patient care needs.
• Work rotating weekend shifts and adapt to fluctuating sample volumes, especially on PM and night shifts as patient admissions change.
• Use the Cerner Millennium laboratory information system to receive, process, and report test results accurately and promptly.
• Follow all laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain quality and patient safety.
• Participate in daily huddles and team communication to share updates, address issues, and continuously improve lab operations.
• Support a culture of teamwork by offering assistance to colleagues, picking up shifts when needed, and contributing to a positive work environment.

• National Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required.
• Minimum of 2+ years of CLS experience in a fast-paced, large hospital setting (not a community hospital).
• Experience working on all laboratory benches, including blood bank, hematology, microbiology, and chemistry.
• Strong blood bank skills, including blood banking and antibody identification.
• Hands-on experience with chemistry testing, including troubleshooting and routine maintenance of analyzers.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot failed quality control results and analyzer error codes using systematic, logical steps.
• Previous hospital laboratory experience as a CLS (at least 1 year) with exposure to high-volume, acute care workflows.
• Proficiency with clinical laboratory testing processes and standards in a hospital environment.
• Experience using Cerner Millennium or similar laboratory information systems.
• Willingness and ability to work rotating weekends and variable shifts.

• Experience in a mid-size hospital laboratory environment, comfortable working closely with a small, collaborative team.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues across all shifts.
• Ability to remain calm and focused during periods of higher stress or unpredictable workload.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including participation in further education programs when available.
• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility in picking up additional shifts or overtime when needed.
• Positive, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to support and mentor peers.

This role is based in a hospital laboratory that operates in a fast-paced, acute care environment while maintaining the feel of a mid-size, close-knit team. Two shifts are available: 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.–7:00 a.m., on a 5x8 schedule with rotating weekends. The position is offered as a minimum 3-month contract to cover leaves of absence, with opportunities for overtime and additional shifts as needed. You will typically work alongside three other Clinical Laboratory Scientists and two to three Lab Assistants, with a lead technologist on the bench to provide guidance and support. The lab uses Cerner Millennium as its primary laboratory information system and operates standard hospital laboratory analyzers and equipment across hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and blood bank. The culture is described as very helpful and knowledgeable, especially on night shifts, where staff support one another through variable workloads. Most specialty and high-stress work occurs during the day, while PM and night shifts focus more on general testing with fluctuating volumes driven by patient admissions. The environment emphasizes collaboration, daily huddles, and open communication. The team regularly participates in morale-building activities such as barbecues, hospital week and nurses week celebrations, holiday events, and community charity activities, with holiday meals provided for staff. Benefits available through associated programs may include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, pension plan options, and further education support, contributing to a stable and supportive workplace focused on longevity and professional growth. Dress is typical for a clinical laboratory setting, emphasizing professionalism and adherence to hospital safety and attire policies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Bernardino, CA.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Bernardino,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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