Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California is recruiting a per diem Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) for night shift coverage within its full-service laboratory. Desert Regional anchors the Desert Care Network — a three-hospital system serving the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin — and operates a Level 1 Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke program, a cancer center, and the only Level 3 NICU in the Coachella Valley. This is a high-acuity environment where laboratory professionals work across multiple disciplines and contribute directly to complex, time-sensitive patient care.
Perks and Benefits
- Per diem employment with night shift scheduling
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (eligibility based on employment status)
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Generous paid time off
- Health savings accounts (HSA); healthcare and dependent flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program and employee discount program
- Career development and continuing education opportunities
- Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare assistance, auto and home insurance
Practice Highlights
- Night shift per diem role within a high-volume laboratory supporting a Level 1 Trauma Center, stroke program, cancer center, and Level 3 NICU
- Performs and reports chemical, microscopic, microbiologic, hematologic, and serologic testing across the full diagnostic spectrum
- Cross-training required in at least one additional laboratory discipline, with active performance in that discipline at minimum twice per month
- Responsible for specimen evaluation, reagent and stain preparation, equipment calibration and maintenance, and quality control documentation
- Participates in proficiency testing programs and departmental quality assurance initiatives
- Trains and mentors new laboratory employees per departmental guidelines, with documented progress tracking
- Coordinates subspecialty areas as assigned; supports technical projects and development of departmental procedures
- Operates within a three-hospital network (Desert Regional Medical Center – Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital – Indio, Hi-Desert Medical Center – Joshua Tree) with a broad regional referral catchment across the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin
- Computer experience utilized for order entry, result reporting, charge reconciliation, and troubleshooting; computer proficiency preferred
- Maintains turnaround-time compliance and functions independently in the absence of supervisory personnel
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or a related science (or equivalent)
- Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license in medical technology or a categorical area — required
- Demonstrated proficiency across core laboratory disciplines; cross-training capability expected
- Computer experience preferred; must be proficient with laboratory information systems for order entry, result reporting, and charge reconciliation
- Physical requirements: ability to stand or walk 6–10 hours per shift, perform repetitive bending and reaching, carry 10 lbs continuously and lift up to 25 lbs occasionally, and sustain fine motor repetitive motion for testing functions
- Emotional and professional stamina to manage high-stress, high-acuity situations with accuracy and composure
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English (spoken and written) and read labels, reports, and computer screens with accuracy
About the Community
Palm Springs sits at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in California's Coachella Valley — a desert resort community known for year-round sunshine, world-class golf, vibrant arts and dining, and an outdoor lifestyle that draws residents from across the country. The region offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to coastal Southern California metros, with Los Angeles and San Diego each accessible within two hours. Joshua Tree National Park, the Salton Sea, and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument provide exceptional recreation just outside the city, making Palm Springs a compelling destination for clinicians who value both professional opportunity and quality of life.