Medical Laboratory Scientist II
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Houston, TX, 77030
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 29.44-43.79 HOUR
Date Posted : 14 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. Must also act as a team leader by assisting and guiding staff in decision-making, and by taking on other areas of responsibility.
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
- Acts as a ‘group leader’ by assisting other staff members in work duties as needed to ensure a smooth workflow in the department.
- Ensures that major automated equipment is operational by performing required maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures; including contacting of instrument vendor for assistance or repair.
- May receive or have extended instrument training to function as an instrument lead for the department.
- Trains new employees and students in the department.
- Performs required calibration and quality control procedures and maintains records to ensure tests are being performed within established parameters.
- Assists department Technical Coordinator or Supervisor in preparation of QC and calibration reports, ensuring that records are complete and accurate.
- Performs proficiency testing as assigned and review results with laboratory clinical leaders
- Assists Technical Coordinator or Supervisor with test or equipment validations. Helps with training, validation records and documentation.
- 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.
- May assists department inventory supplies as primary inventory control
- Completes all work and resolves or appropriately passes ongoing issues to incoming staff within the scheduled shift.
- Facilitate smooth and complete work transition with preceding and following shift teams.
- 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
The job summary and responsibilities listed above are designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed within this job. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience | Bachelor's Degree in a biological or chemical science as defined by CLIA. 2 years experience in a clinical laboratory. |
Required Licensure and Certifications | California: CLS:CA Nevada: GENSUP: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 |
Preferred Certifications | 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
In Houston, certifications like MLS (ASCP) or equivalent are highly regarded for Medical Laboratory Scientist II roles. Holding state-specific licenses, such as those recognized in Texas, enhances employability, reflecting compliance with regulatory standards crucial for clinical laboratory positions.
Medical Laboratory Scientist IIs often take on leadership duties such as guiding junior staff and troubleshooting advanced lab instruments, whereas entry-level technicians focus primarily on performing routine tests. This role demands a deeper understanding of complex procedures and quality control.
Professionals at this level can advance into supervisory roles, technical coordination, or specialized instrument lead positions. Continuing education and certifications further open doors to leadership or research opportunities within clinical laboratory science.
Catholic Health Initiatives values versatility and regulatory compliance. Candidates with multi-state certifications demonstrate adaptability and readiness to meet diverse clinical requirements, ensuring consistent laboratory standards across different healthcare settings.
The organization fosters growth through ongoing education, hands-on training, and mentorship. Medical Laboratory Scientist IIs often participate in quality control initiatives and proficiency testing, which enhance both technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
Salaries for Medical Laboratory Scientist IIs in Houston generally range between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Competitive compensation packages often include sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance, reflecting the demand in this healthcare hub.
Houston's expanding medical sector creates steady demand for skilled lab scientists, but competition remains robust due to the city's large pool of qualified candidates. Demonstrated expertise in instrument troubleshooting and leadership can provide a distinct advantage.
One key challenge involves managing high patient volumes while maintaining rapid turnaround times for complex tests. Navigating diverse regulatory requirements and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams are also critical skills for success in this fast-paced environment.
Expertise in performing a range of test complexities, proficiency in equipment maintenance, and the ability to lead team members are vital. Additionally, keen attention to quality control and strong communication skills ensure accurate diagnostics and patient safety.
This role acts as a critical liaison by delivering timely lab results and alerting caregivers to critical values. It also involves collaborating closely with physicians and nursing staff to support diagnostic accuracy and effective patient treatment.