Clinical Laboratory Technician 2, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology (Night Shift Fixed Duration Appt)

University of Washington • Renton, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Renton, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a fixed duration Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) 2 with the night shift Microbiology Team at the Renton Central Lab. As a CLT 2, you will perform various routine and complex specialized laboratory processes, prepare and process specimens, and support the overall operation of the clinical laboratory. You will maintain quality control, train others in laboratory procedures, and contribute to process improvement. You may also be assigned special projects that support the development of new processes and workflows. Additionally, you will have responsibilities in the complex BSL3 lab and will participate in Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) specimen intake, processing, and preparation. This will include performing concentration, decontamination, acid-fast staining, and additional smears according to AFB results.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years of chemical, clinical, or public health laboratory experience.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Responsibilities

• Accurately process patient, proficiency, and environmental specimens, including specimen identification, order verification, quality assessment, preparation/concentration, media inoculation, incubation, and storage.
• Perform patient and proficiency tests in accordance with SOPs and established policies, including all complex components of Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) handling.
• Utilize laboratory information systems (LIS) to accession, verify, report, or reject orders; enter results accurately and timely.
• Conduct and document routine quality control and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Recognize and troubleshoot problems with patient testing, QC, and equipment; escalate issues appropriately when unresolved.
• Perform the work of a Clinical Laboratory Technician 1 (CLT1).
• Assist in the sign-off instruction and training of staff, fellows, residents, students, and other laboratory personnel.
• Provide timely evaluation feedback on trainees’ performance.
• Participate in the development, improvement, and implementation of new laboratory processes and procedures to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
• Safely receive, log, and prepare AFB specimens, including concentration, decontamination, and inoculation of culture media.
• Follow and perform processes to prevent and avoid contamination.
• Perform acid-fast staining utilizing complex techniques to avoid cross-contamination, that may include even tap water.
• Follow SOP and algorithm for additional smears as required per AFB results.
• Maintain strict adherence to BSL3 biosafety and biosecurity protocols, including PPE usage, entry/exit procedures, and contamination prevention.
• Provide review, audit, troubleshooting, and resolution daily and/or monthly for WASP system maintenance and logs; point person for Field Service Engineer (FSE), inventory supplies, trainer for new employee on WASP supportive details in operations, if needed escalate.
• Review, resolve, and troubleshoot monthly specimen rejection report, if needed escalate.
• Operate and troubleshoot specialized laboratory equipment essential for diagnostic testing and safety (centrifuges, heat blocks, autoclaves, BD BACTEC 960, BD FX40, Cepheid GeneXpert).
• Help with inventory of supplies, ordering, and any other duties assigned by the CLT Lead.
• Checking supplies and expiration dates.
• Participate in projects involving new and current procedure and processes updates and reviews.
• Review the daily check-off lists.
• Escalate any issues to the MLS Lead and manager, if needed.
• Point of contact for escalated issues handling test and specimen requirements for any send-outs for internal and external clients.

Benefits

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED