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Clinical Laboratory Scientist I - Cologuard

Abbott · WI · $20.50–$41.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you troubleshot an instrument problem.

What they are checking: Their methodical thinking with equipment and whether they know when to escalate instead of guessing.

The posting lists second, third and weekend shifts. How do you stay sharp and accurate on an overnight or 12-hour shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic habits for fatigue, since errors on long shifts reach patients.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake in the lab. How did you find it and what did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report errors openly, which matters more to a lab director than never making one.

How do you handle high-volume, repetitive work without losing attention to detail?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep accuracy steady in a production-scale lab where most tasks repeat.

What would you do

Your quality control run fails partway through a batch of Cologuard samples. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop, investigate and document before releasing any results that patients and doctors will rely on.

You receive a specimen that is damaged or missing information. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they follow rejection criteria strictly rather than processing a sample that could give a wrong result.

You notice a coworker skipping a step in the SOP to keep up with volume. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will protect quality and speak up even when it is uncomfortable with a peer.

About the work

Tell me about your experience performing moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA.

What they are checking: Whether their background matches the testing complexity and regulatory setting of this lab.

How do you document your work so another scientist could follow exactly what you did?

What they are checking: Whether they practice good documentation, which is how a clinical lab proves results are valid.

What does good laboratory practice mean to you in your daily work?

What they are checking: Whether they understand GLP as habits like labeling, cleanliness and traceability, not just a phrase.

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The full job description

As published by Abbott.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Position Overview The Clinical Laboratory Scientist I performs laboratory analysis on clinical specimens using established laboratory procedures within the assigned department/laboratory. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist I duties will include, but are not limited to, processing of specimens, performance of moderate and highly complex analytical testing, establishing, performing, and documenting quality assurance, quality control, equipment maintenance, and accurately documenting all work performed under the direction of the Laboratory Medical Director. As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist I, you will recognize and resolve problems using good laboratory practices. Shifts Available: 2nd, Tues - Fri, 2p - 1130p 3rd, Tues - Fri, 10p-730am Wk A, Sat - Mon, 6a - 630p Wk P, Sat - Mon, 6p - 630a Essential Duties (include but are not limited): • Perform moderate and highly complex laboratory tests, procedures, and analyses according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures. • Perform, review, and document laboratory quality control procedures. • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment. • Prepare reagents required for laboratory testing. • Identify and troubleshoot basic problems that adversely affect test performance and/or laboratory operations. • Achieve and maintain competency on laboratory tasks. • Assist with mentoring new laboratory personnel on current and new procedures, as needed. • Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies for daily operations. • Participate in testing and validation of new laboratory equipment and procedures, as needed. • Maintain stringent standards for quality, identifying any issues which might adversely impact the quality of test results and/or employee safety, and communicating these to the appropriate management representatives as necessary for resolution. • Manage daily test processing needs along with project needs in a high quality, efficient and effective manner. • Communicate effectively with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers, and customers, as needed. • Participate in quality assurance and inspection preparation activities. • Integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner. • Participate in continuing education and staff meetings. Responsible for own professional development. • Meet productivity and TAT expectations. • Work as part of a team. • Be flexible with tasks and schedules. • Excellent attention to detail. • Effective written and verbal communication skills. • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork. • Demonstrate adaptability by embracing changes in the laboratory with a positive attitude. • Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures. • Maintain regular and reliable attendance. • Act with an inclusive mindset. • Work a designated schedule. • Ability to work overtime, as needed. • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds for approximately 25% of a typical working day. • Ability to work seated for approximately 50% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 50% of a typical working day. • Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 75% of a typical working day. • Ability to perform technical work up to 95% of a typical working day and administrative work up to 5% of a typical working day. • Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height. • Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment and perform repetitive motions. • Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements. • Comply with safety and hazard regulations as outlined in the clinical laboratory safety manual. • Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range. • May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, blood or blood products and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation. • Observe principles of data security and patient confidentiality. Maintain ethical standards in the performance of testing and in interactions with patients, co-workers, and other health care professionals. • Travel between sites may be required. Minimum Qualifications • Associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution or equivalent laboratory training and experience as defined: • 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation. • Professional working knowledge of local, state, and federal laboratory regulations. Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution. • For degrees not in those listed above: 90 semester hours which must include 16 semester hours in chemistry (6 of which must be in inorganic chemistry); 16 semester hours in biology courses; and 3 semester hours of math. • Experience in molecular biology techniques and principles. The base pay for this position is $20.50 – $41.00/hour In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Operations Quality DIVISION: ONCO Cancer Diagnostics LOCATION: United States > Madison : 650 Forward Dr ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Not specified MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: No SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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