Clinical laboratory scientists typically earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or one of the life sciences. While most jobs in the field are in hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a significant number of opportunities also are available doing research for the federal government, in independent laboratories and at colleges and universities.
Labs
The faster growing segment of the industry will be in laboratory settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14 percent faster growth rate for scientists in clinical laboratories compared to other occupations through 2016. Medical and diagnostic laboratories are particularly poised for growth.
Universities
Maintaining contacts made through a college or university is important to when searching for a job. Guest speakers, alumni, professors and advisers all have their own networks that they often share with promising students. Throughout their time of study, students should regularly attend seminars, job fairs and recruitment forums. By collecting contacts and letting them know about a student’s progress and projected graduation, students are in better positions to move into careers directly from school.
Internet
Specialized websites such as ClinicaSpace.com and BioSpace.com promote opportunities in the field (see Resources). They actively recruit employers to advertise job openings in the industry. It is easier to cull information from specialized sites that often categorize career paths by disciplines. Biosafety, molecular biology, programmers, pharmacology and genomics professionals can customize their search through such worldwide search companies. In addition, there are advice columns and career reports available on the sites.
Associations
In addition to networking and professional development opportunities, industry trade groups such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, are popular places to find job opportunities through in-house jobs boards, referrals through contacts made at group events and international consulting forums.
Agencies
Staffing agencies that specialize in clinical laboratory positions can be helpful in finding temporary or permanent jobs in the field. Companies such as Staff Providers and Kelly Scientific can be utilized by graduating students wishing to move or try out a variety of work environments before choosing a final career path. Agencies have clients that prefer to try out candidates before hiring them and use the temporary filed to weed out the competition.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
ClinciaSpace: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
