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Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Location: Arcata, California Pay Rate: $ 1700 To $ 1900/ Week Contract: 13 Weeks Schedule: Night Shift | Wednesday-Tuesday Rotation Experience: Minimum 3 years required ...

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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Location: Arcata, California Pay Rate: $ 1700 To $ 1900/ Week Contract: 13 Weeks Schedule: Night Shift | Wednesday-Tuesday Rotation Experience: Minimum 3 years required ...

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) * Or * Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) - California Department of Public Health * Or * Clinical ...

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Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist information

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$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary clinical laboratory scientist in the United States is $94,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary clinical laboratory scientist?

To thrive as a Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you need a solid background in laboratory science, a bachelor's degree in a related field, and current Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) licensure or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and standard diagnostic testing equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help ensure accuracy and collaboration. These competencies are essential to deliver reliable test results, maintain patient safety, and adapt quickly to varying clinical environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist vs Clinical Laboratory Technician?

AspectTemporary Clinical Laboratory ScientistClinical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related field, certification (ASCP or equivalent)Associate's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or related field, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities, often temporary or contract rolesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, typically full-time or part-time roles
Job ResponsibilitiesPerform complex lab tests, analyze results, ensure quality controlPrepare samples, perform routine tests, maintain lab equipment

Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Clinical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but the Scientist role involves more advanced testing and analysis, often requiring certification and a bachelor's degree. Technicians typically handle routine tasks with an associate's degree. The temporary status of the Scientist role offers flexibility, while Technician roles are more permanent. Both are essential in healthcare diagnostics.

What is a temporary clinical laboratory scientist?

Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientists are professionals who work in clinical laboratories on a short-term or contract basis. They are responsible for conducting laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. These scientists may fill in for permanent staff during peak workloads, staff shortages, or special projects. Like their permanent counterparts, they must adhere to strict safety and quality standards and often hold the same certifications and educational backgrounds. Their temporary status allows healthcare facilities to maintain essential lab operations without long-term hiring commitments.

What are some unique challenges temporary clinical laboratory scientists may face compared to permanent staff?

Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientists often need to quickly adapt to new laboratory environments, workflows, and teams, which can be challenging when learning new procedures or using unfamiliar equipment. They may also need to be flexible with shift schedules or work at multiple sites. While temporary roles provide valuable experience and exposure to different specialties, building rapport with permanent staff and integrating into established teams can require extra effort. However, these challenges can also foster rapid professional growth and open doors to permanent opportunities.
More about Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,420 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

$59K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Basic Requirements:
  • Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required.
  • Certification:
  • Candidates must meet one of the following certification options:
    1. Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT.
    2. Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • Exception for Non-Certified Applicants:
    1. Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.
    2. Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).
    3. Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL).
    4. Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained.
    5. Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment.
  • Foreign Education: Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign credential review and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Foreign graduates qualify if: a.Their transcripts are evaluated as equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or b. They submit documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to take the certification examination. Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency.
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07
  1. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09
  1. Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
    1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07; or
    2. A master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science.
  2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    1. Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures.
    2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
    3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
    4. Ability to work effectively as a team member and complete assignments.
    5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
    6. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11
  1. Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
    1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09; or
    2. Three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science.
  2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    1. Knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting independent work.
    2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement.
    3. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
    4. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
    5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
    6. Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
    7. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact effectively with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients.

Preferred Experience: Experience working as a Generalist performing laboratory testing.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.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