Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist I

Position Summary

San Diego State University’s Student Health Services is seeking a skilled and dedicated Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist I 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:

• Perform Clinical Testing: Conduct diagnostic tests in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology; perform microscopic examinations; and carry out high- and moderate-complexity molecular diagnostic tests with precision and accuracy.
• Provide Lead Direction: Oversee daily workflow by guiding Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Phlebotomists, ensuring efficient patient and test flow, timely results, and effective communication with providers.
• Ensure Quality Assurance: Manage instrument calibration, quality control procedures, and preventive maintenance; document results and compliance in the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Support Compliance & Accreditation: Partner with the Laboratory and Radiology Manager on inspection readiness, staff competency assessments, policy development, and proficiency testing.
• Maintain Operations: Monitor supply inventory, reconstitute reagents, assist with phlebotomy and reception duties as needed, and contribute to research projects or other assigned initiatives.

Why Join Us?

• Impact Student Health: Play a vital role in supporting SDSU students’ well-being and academic success through reliable, high-quality clinical testing.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and healthcare professionals in a supportive, student-focused health center.
• Leadership Opportunity: Guide and mentor laboratory staff while strengthening your own leadership skills in a dynamic campus setting.
• Commitment to Excellence: Be part of an inclusive, equity-driven division dedicated to fostering belonging and promoting health for a diverse student community.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position may be offered on a 12 month pay plan, or an 11/12 pay plan. Under the 11/12 option, the employee works 11 months per year with pay distributed over 12 months, with July 2026 as the anticipated month off.
• 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.

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:
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• 12 month pay plan: CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,549 - $8,083 per month (Step 1 - Step 20); Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 16 ($7,468) for highly qualified candidates.
• 11/12 pay plan: CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,087 - $7,409 per month (Step 1 - Step 20); Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 16 ($6,846) for highly qualified candidates.
• Future increases, including step advancement, 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 October 7, 2025, 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 .

Advertised: Sep 23 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• San Diego State University

• 619-594-5200

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