Lead Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) - La Jolla

This is a benefited, full time position working day shifts generally from 0600-1430 on varied days including every other weekend. Located at Scripps Memorial La Jolla.

Join the Scripps Health team and work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-centered healthcare. Receive endless appreciation while you build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations nationwide.

Why join Scripps Health?

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

• Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
• Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2026.
• Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
• Becker's Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2026 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
• We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
• Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Why join this team?

• Make an impact at the region's largest Level I Trauma Center. Join the laboratory team at Scripps La Jolla, where your work directly supports fast-paced, frontline care for a diverse range of patients.

• Experience something new every day. As the largest and busiest hospital in the Scripps system, La Jolla offers dynamic, meaningful work across a broad variety of clinical cases.

• Be valued as part of a supportive lab family. Our leadership recognizes every team member as essential, fostering staff satisfaction while helping deliver the highest-quality patient care.

What you'll do:

• Work both on the bench and ensuring regulations are enforced.

• Be technically experienced, organized and able to communicate effectively.

• Have an extensive support system, participating in the blood bank technical committee meetings with their counterparts from the other sites.

• You are a valued team member amongst the surgeons, pathologists and nurses and enjoys the unique opportunity to network with different care lines.

• Serve as a resource in training new hires and students. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working collaboratively in an environment that facilitates the exchange of ideas and resources.

This position is eligible for up to $4kin New Hire Retention Incentives and relocation up to $3k if moving from 100+ miles away.

The following are not eligible for hiring incentives:

• Internal candidates
• Rehires that left Scripps less than 3 years ago
• Candidates with less than 1 year of experience

In order to remain eligible for your retention incentive the following criteria must be met:

• Must remain in original hired FTE Status and Shift (if specified in offer letter)
• Must remain in original department/specialty
• Must remain in original Job Title

Transfers to other locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in forfeiting remaining incentive bonus unless specifically noted in your offer letter.

Required Education/Experience/Specialized Skills:

• Baccalaureate Degree or degree acceptable by California Laboratory Field Services for the application of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Limited License.
• 4 years' experience in high complexity testing
• 2 years' experience in blood bank
• Good critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with medical terminology and computer systems.
  
  Required Certification/Registration:

• CDPH Licensure: MTA (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) Licensed to perform work in all areas of the Clinical Lab.
  
  Preferred Education/Experience/Specialized Skills/Certification:

• Leadership experience