Medical Courier, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology is seeking a Medical Courier for its Reference Laboratory Services (RLS) team in Seattle, Washington. Couriers support a digital chain of custody for UWMC specimens by picking up and delivering specimens and supplies to client locations across a territory extending from Vancouver, Washington, to Bellingham, Washington. Routes operate seven days per week from three locations: UWMC Montlake Campus, the Northgate office complex, and the Renton Central Lab. The position is 100% FTE on a day shift; the schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager.

The courier drives a University of Washington vehicle to transport laboratory specimens, reports, supplies, and other designated materials between UWMC and medical facilities and laboratories within Washington State. Work involves handling biohazardous specimens, including tissues and fluids that may contain infectious agents, and may involve working near contagious patients. The courier must follow Universal Precaution procedures and remain vigilant about potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The role requires maintaining specimen integrity throughout transport: preserving pickup temperatures, keeping packaging intact, delivering the exact number of specimens collected at each temperature and location, delivering items to the correct destination, and ensuring that no items are left in the vehicle or a tote at the end of a shift. Couriers also maintain accurate route and specimen records, follow UW Fleet Services rules, keep the assigned vehicle clean and fueled, and participate in vehicle maintenance and quality-improvement activities. The courier adapts to route and schedule changes, responds to communications, uses digital devices and UW online resources, and may teach tasks and share job knowledge with trainees.

UW Medicine describes itself as Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. Its mission includes improving public health through medical knowledge, care, and the preparation of health professionals. The University of Washington is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Professional driving experience.
• An acceptable minimum three-year clean driving abstract.
• Experience handling biohazardous laboratory specimens and familiarity with Universal Precautions.
• Experience with customer service relations.
• Demonstrated success working independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Drive a University of Washington vehicle to transport laboratory specimens, reports, supplies, and other designated materials between UWMC and medical facilities and laboratories in Washington State.
• Handle and transport biohazardous specimens while following Universal Precaution procedures and remaining vigilant about potential exposure risks.
• Maintain specimen integrity by preserving pickup temperatures, keeping packaging intact, accounting for all specimens, delivering to the correct destinations, and ensuring nothing is left behind at shift end.
• Transport laboratory supplies and related materials to client locations.
• Complete assigned routes within an appropriate amount of time and use independent judgment to assess requests for additional service within the shift.
• Maintain accurate records of route stops and specimens transported.
• Follow UW Fleet Services rules and regulations; keep the assigned vehicle clean and sufficiently fueled; and participate in the vehicle maintenance program.
• Participate in and support quality assessment and improvement activities.
• Adapt to route and schedule changes, receive directions, and ask for assistance when needed.
• Use digital devices, respond promptly to calls or texts, access Workday and other UW resources, keep passwords current, and check UW email at least twice per shift.
• Teach and demonstrate tasks and share job knowledge with trainees as assigned.

Benefits

• Vacation time and sick time 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) covering multiple forms of regional public transportation.
• Healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed