Medical Laboratory Scientist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Houston, TX, 77030
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 26.76-39.81 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary / Purpose
Accurately analyzes and reports all tests ordered by the Medical Staff in a timely manner and according to laboratory procedures and regulatory guidelines to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Performs and reports waived, moderately complex, and highly complex test procedures on patient specimens adhering to the Section’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- Provides excellent patient care through clinical correlation of results, identification of patterns of bias, rapid notification of appropriate caregivers of critical values, and completion of testing within established turn-around-time limits
- Ensures that major automated equipment is operational by performing required maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures; including contacting of instrument vendor for assistance or repair
- Performs required calibration and quality control procedures and maintains records to ensure tests are being performed within established parameters
- Performs proficiency testing as assigned and review results with laboratory clinical leaders
- Assists in evaluation and generation of compliant documentation for the validation of new procedures and equipment to provide the physician with the most current laboratory technology
- Participates in opportunities for continuing education and/or teaching, training according to the Section Performance Standards to enhance technical skills of students, trainees, coworkers, and self
- Responsible for inventory of supplies, including providing assistance with monitoring supplies, ordering, and placing received supplies into storage
- Completes all work and resolves or appropriately passes ongoing issues to incoming staff within the scheduled shift
- As a representative of CommonSpirit Health, utilizes professionalism and HumanKindness while communicating with physicians, hospital staff, patients, coworkers, other stakeholders in laboratory operations, and all members of the general public, whether in email, instant messaging, telephone, or face-to-face interactions
- Adheres to all regulatory requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience | Bachelor's Degree in a biological or chemical science as defined by CLIA. |
Required Licensure and Certifications | California: CLS:CA Nevada: CLS:NV or GS:NV North Dakota: MT-L:ND Tennessee: MT-L:TN or MT ASCP or equivalent certification (per requirement sheet) Georgia: MT ASCP or equivalent certification (per requirement sheet) Other state license not required |
Certification Preferred | MLS (ASCP) or equivalent (Per requirement sheet) |
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training | Must be appropriately trained in clinical laboratory science as evaluated by the Director of the Clinical Laboratory |
***$10,000 Sign On Bonus and up to $5,000 Relocation***
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an internationally recognized leader in research and clinical excellence that has given rise to breakthroughs in cardiovascular care, neuroscience, oncology, transplantation, and more. Our team’s efforts have led to the creation of many research programs and initiatives to develop advanced treatments found nowhere else in the world. In our commitment to advancing standards in an ever-evolving healthcare environment, our new McNair Campus is designed around the human experience—modeled on evidence-based practices for the safety of patients, visitors, staff, and physicians. The 27.5-acre campus represents the future of healthcare through a transformative alliance focused on leading-edge patient care, research, and education. Our strong alliance with Texas Heart® Institute and Baylor College of Medicine allows us to bring our patients a powerful network of care unlike any other. Our collaboration is focused on increasing access to care through a growing network of leading specialists and revolutionizing healthcare to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve.
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Frequently asked questions
Houston boasts a robust healthcare sector with a growing need for Medical Laboratory Scientists, driven by its extensive hospital network including Baylor St. Luke’s. Compared to cities like Austin or Dallas, Houston offers competitive hiring rates and diverse opportunities, particularly in specialized labs focused on cutting-edge research and diagnostics.
In Houston, while a state license may not be mandatory, certifications like MLS (ASCP) are highly valued. Local healthcare providers, including Catholic Health Initiatives, prioritize candidates with recognized credentials that meet CLIA standards, enhancing employability and aligning with stringent regulatory requirements.
Proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting automated lab equipment is crucial. Expertise in performing quality control, calibration, and interpreting complex test results ensures accuracy. Additionally, skills in clinical correlation and rapid critical value reporting distinguish top Medical Laboratory Scientists in fast-paced environments.
Developing leadership qualities, mastering emerging diagnostic technologies, and engaging in continuous education are pivotal. Familiarity with regulatory compliance and mentoring peers or trainees also enhances career prospects, opening pathways to senior or specialized roles within clinical laboratory settings.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes collaborative care, where Medical Laboratory Scientists communicate critical lab findings promptly to physicians and staff. The role includes active participation in quality assurance and education initiatives, fostering a professional environment that values humankindness alongside technical excellence.
Working at Catholic Health Initiatives involves upholding rigorous documentation for new procedure validations and engaging in continuous training efforts. The organization’s focus on evidence-based practices means scientists contribute directly to cutting-edge research and patient-centered care models distinctive to their facilities.
Salaries for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Houston typically range from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and facility type. Hospitals affiliated with renowned centers like Baylor St. Luke’s may offer competitive packages, including bonuses and relocation assistance, reflecting the region’s demand.
While most clinical lab scientist positions in Houston require on-site presence due to hands-on testing, some opportunities for travel assignments exist, particularly with agencies specializing in traveling Medical Laboratory Scientist roles. Remote work is rare, given the need for physical specimen handling and equipment operation.
Daily activities include performing complex diagnostic tests, maintaining lab instruments, and ensuring timely reporting of critical results. Houston labs also emphasize collaboration with healthcare teams and adherence to regulatory standards, fostering an environment where precise data supports patient treatment decisions.
Given the institution's prestige and comprehensive healthcare network, competition is moderate to high. Candidates with advanced certifications, Houston-area experience, and demonstrated proficiency in lab technologies tend to stand out, benefiting from well-structured hiring processes focused on quality and fit.