Post job

What is a lead clinical laboratory scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Sage Franetovich

A lead clinical laboratory scientist is in charge of a laboratory that conducts clinical experiments used to create and test new medication. A lead clinical laboratory scientist helps design and lead experiments. They use scientific techniques and laboratory equipment to conduct diagnostic tests and perform clinical lab testing. The lead clinical laboratory scientist has additional duties besides working with samples in the lab. They supervise the work of others in the laboratory and train new hires, including any students. They are also in charge of administrative duties that help run the lab, such as replacing laboratory equipment and filing paperwork to ensure laboratory compliance with governmental standards.

One usually needs several years of laboratory experience before earning a promotion to the position of lead clinical laboratory scientist. Most get their starts as laboratory assistants, then work their way up to become laboratory scientists. They also need at least a bachelor's degree in medical technology.

Lead clinical laboratory scientists earn an average salary of $60,707 a year.

What general advice would you give to a lead clinical laboratory scientist?

Sage FranetovichSage Franetovich LinkedIn profile

Science Technology Engineering Math, Holyoke Community College

Keep an open mind, and be willing to try new things, and work with all kinds of people. We, the professors, are preparing you for a job market that is constantly changing.
ScoreLead Clinical Laboratory ScientistUS Average
Salary
6.6

Avg. Salary $84,667

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 26.50%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 9.44%

Unknown 4.06%

White 53.61%

Gender

female 64.56%

male 35.44%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Lead clinical laboratory scientist career paths

Key steps to become a lead clinical laboratory scientist

  1. Explore lead clinical laboratory scientist education requirements

    Most common lead clinical laboratory scientist degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.5 %

    Master's

    11.3 %

    Associate

    8.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific lead clinical laboratory scientist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Proficiency Testing17.97%
    Laboratory Procedures15.00%
    Immunology11.33%
    Laboratory Tests10.78%
    QC6.92%
  3. Complete relevant lead clinical laboratory scientist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead clinical laboratory scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lead clinical laboratory scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead clinical laboratory scientist resumes.
  4. Research lead clinical laboratory scientist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage user access for FTIR.
    • Coordinate transfer of analytical methods for the analysis of GMP drug substance.
    • Ensure compliance with internal and AABB / FDA audits by maintaining QC documentation and testing records scrupulously.
    • Conduct routine and complex laboratory testing in hematology, chemistry, coagulation, and urinalysis.
  5. Get lead clinical laboratory scientist experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a lead clinical laboratory scientist. The most common roles before becoming a lead clinical laboratory scientist include clinical laboratory scientist, medical technologist team lead and laboratory manager.
  6. Prepare your lead clinical laboratory scientist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead clinical laboratory scientist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lead clinical laboratory scientist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable lead clinical laboratory scientist resume templates

    Build a professional lead clinical laboratory scientist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lead clinical laboratory scientist resume.
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
    Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume
  7. Apply for lead clinical laboratory scientist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a lead clinical laboratory scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first lead clinical laboratory scientist job

Zippi

Are you a lead clinical laboratory scientist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average lead clinical laboratory scientist salary

The average lead clinical laboratory scientist salary in the United States is $84,667 per year or $41 per hour. Lead clinical laboratory scientist salaries range between $53,000 and $132,000 per year.

Average lead clinical laboratory scientist salary
$84,667 Yearly
$40.71 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do lead clinical laboratory scientists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Lead clinical laboratory scientist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

That we are not respected as autonomous certified individuals that are equal to nurses. Also the pay does not reflect our education and expertise.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Cons

None


Working as a lead clinical laboratory scientist? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs