Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology

University of Washington • Renton, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

UW Medicine’s Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology is hiring a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 for the Microbiology Team at the Renton Central Laboratory in Renton, Washington. The regional reference laboratory offers a diverse and complex test menu, modern instrumentation, and opportunities to work with experienced laboratory professionals while developing technical expertise. This is a regular, 100% FTE position on the Tuesday–Saturday evening shift.

The position performs microbiology testing, including direct smear preparation and evaluation, organism identification, susceptibility testing, and serological procedures. The employee operates and maintains laboratory equipment, follows quality-control and result-reporting procedures, supports evaluation of new tests and equipment, and helps train students and staff. The role also involves maintaining competency across trained laboratory sections and continuing professional education.

The role is offered at either the Trainee or MLS 1 level. Trainees must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience and be eligible to take the relevant ASCP examination within 18 months of hire. MLS 1 candidates must meet the applicable degree or equivalent requirement, hold current relevant certification, and have one year of experience as an MLS Trainee; qualifying clinical testing experience in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward that experience requirement.

The department provides clinical laboratory services supporting patient care, research, and education. UW Medicine describes its mission as advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding care, and preparing health professionals, in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Requirements

• For MLS Trainee: accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience.
• For MLS Trainee: eligibility to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from ASCP within 18 months of hire.
• For MLS 1: accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience.
• For MLS 1: current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification from ASCP or an equivalent certifying organization, or certification from a specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division.
• For MLS 1: one year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee; up to one year of on-the-job clinical testing experience in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward this requirement.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements, such as licensure, certification, or registration, apply.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, evaluate, and report direct smears, including Gram stains, KOH preps, Pneumocystis DFA stains, Auramine-O stains, Kinyoun stains, and Wright/Giemsa.
• Perform routine microbiology tests to identify bacteria, yeast, mold, and parasites according to laboratory protocols.
• Perform pathogen susceptibility testing, including disk diffusion, E-test, MIC, and other required methods.
• Perform serological procedures, including PCR, EIA, and latex agglutinations.
• Rotate among trained laboratory sections and maintain competency in those sections.
• Operate laboratory equipment and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Use the laboratory information system and teach its use to others.
• Follow quality-control requirements and policies for validating results.
• Manage average workloads independently and request assistance when workloads are heavier.
• Perform work accurately and precisely; recognize, correct, and document errors.
• Communicate professionally with health care providers.
• Identify critical or reportable results and report them according to policy to appropriate medical staff, epidemiology, or the Public Health Laboratory.
• Assist with evaluation of new tests and equipment and with research projects as required.
• Instruct new employees, medical laboratory scientist students, medical students, residents, and fellows in routine procedures.
• Continue education and maintain certification through seminars, in-services, staff meetings, scientific journals, and participation in CAP proficiency surveys.

Benefits

• Monthly accruing vacation and sick time, 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 participating colleges and universities.
• Fully subsidized U-PASS covering multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes through Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level