Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

We’re Exai Bio.

Our mission is to deliver the earliest and most accurate diagnosis of cancer. We aspire to enable a world where cancer can be detected early, diagnosed accurately, treated in a personalized and targeted way, and ultimately cured.
And we’re looking for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a licensed scientific professional responsible for independently performing complex, high-complexity clinical laboratory testing in our CLIA-certified laboratory. This position will have the opportunity to exercise independent judgment in the evaluation, interpretation, and reporting of test results, ensures the analytical validity of patient data, and helps drive method development, validation, and continuous improvement of our oncRNA and liquid biopsy assays.

What You’ll Do

• Independently perform high-complexity clinical laboratory testing on patient specimens in accordance with CLIA, CAP, and CDPH regulations, including molecular assays (NGS, qPCR/ddPCR, etc.).
• Evaluate, interpret, and authorize the release of patient test results, applying scientific judgment to identify discrepancies and troubleshoot anomalous data.
• Perform routine maintenance of all lab and lab-associated areas and equipment.
• Perform, document, and review quality control, calibration, and instrument performance verification, taking corrective action when results fall outside established criteria.
• Participate in the testing , validation, and verification of new assays and laboratory procedures, including writing and revising SOPs.
• Monitor and maintain proficiency testing programs and ensure timely and accurate submission of results.
• Provide technical guidance to Clinical Laboratory Assistants and other laboratory staff in day-to-day testing activities.
• Maintain accurate records in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensure data integrity across the testing workflow.
• Support laboratory accreditation and inspection readiness, including internal audits and documentation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on assay performance, turnaround time, and operational efficiency.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing clinical laboratory operations, including patient confidentiality (HIPAA).
• Perform clinical laboratory tests, procedures, and analyses according to the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform and document routine preventive maintenance and calibration checks on laboratory equipment.
• Assist with the training and onboarding of new laboratory personnel as directed by lab management.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies and accurately prepare reagents required for testing.
• Perform and document reagent qualification procedures per approved protocols.
• Promptly report all concerns of test quality and safety to the Laboratory Supervisor.
• Assist in the validation, verification, and introduction of new assays, configurations, and assay improvements.
• Perform other laboratory duties as assigned by lab management and assist the team as time allows.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Active California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license, generalist or specialty (CGMBS) issued by CDPH-LFS; equivalent state license considered for candidates pursuing CA licensure.
• Bachelor’s in biology-related science.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and other shifts as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Aptitude for performance of molecular testing techniques (NGS, PCR, etc.)
• Ability to work on-site full-time in our Palo Alto lab and office.

What You’ll Get as Part of Our Team

• Base Salary Range : $110,000 - $135,000
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Insurance: medical/dental/vision, STD/LTD, Life/AD&D, HSA with employer contribution, FSA accounts
  • Time off: 15 days PTO to start, 9 sick days, and generous company holiday schedule
  • Financial Benefits: Incentive equity programs, 401k matching, commuter benefits
  • Employee support: Learning & development programs, employee assistance program
• An inspiring work culture where our core values are more than just words on a page.

What We Value

Our core values represent what we stand for as a team. Everyday, we strive to align our behaviors to these core values in everything we do. We believe that our commitment to our core values connects us to our work and to one another.

Integrity – Our thoughts and actions are true to science and people. We do the right thing.

Openness – We recognize and respect our differences – and embrace learning from them.

Teamwork – We are team players who trust and respect each other.

Exploration – We are explorers, putting curiosity into action.

Kindness – We are kind whenever possible – and we believe it’s always possible.

More About Us

We are an early-stage diagnostic company with a powerful AI-based liquid biopsy platform. Our proprietary technology delivers unprecedented insight into cancer and disease biology from standard, non-invasive blood samples. We are the next generation of liquid biopsy!

We know that people are our greatest asset, and we are rapidly building a rock-star team of talent. We value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or other third parties and will not pay fees associated with such resumes. Agencies, please do not send resumes to any of our locations, employees or email addresses.