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

University of Washington • Renton, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

UW Medicine’s Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology is hiring a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 for the Immunology Laboratory at the Renton Central Laboratory in Renton, Washington. The laboratory performs specialty testing for a variety of clinics, including autoantibody testing, electrophoresis, immunofluorescence assays, allergy and ELISA assays, and other manual and automated tests. It also performs CSF-specific transferrin testing and works with the Dr. Nghiem Lab on the Anti-Merkel Cell Panel for Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

The position performs clinical testing used to screen, diagnose, and treat pathological conditions. Work includes testing patient, research, and proficiency-testing samples; operating immunology instruments; conducting manual assays and subjective immunofluorescence microscopy; entering patient and quality-control data; maintaining instruments and supplies; evaluating quality control; troubleshooting; and supporting laboratory quality, training, and safety activities.

This is a regular, 100% FTE position with a Monday–Friday schedule of 10-hour days and a fixed day off. The schedule is day shift.

Requirements

• For the MLS Trainee level: an accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, or equivalent education and experience.
• For the MLS Trainee level: eligibility to take the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination within 18 months of hire; failure to attain certification within that period may result in a recommendation for termination.
• For the MLS 1 level: an accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, or equivalent education and experience.
• For the MLS 1 level: current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification from ASCP or an equivalent certifying organization, or certification from a specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division.
• For the MLS 1 level: one year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one year of clinical testing experience in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward this requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Immunology assays and instruments.
• Excellent communication skills with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical laboratory testing on patient, research, and proficiency-testing samples accurately and precisely.
• Operate automated immunoanalyzers, automated IFA and ELISA processors, electrophoresis apparatus and scanners, immunofluorescent microscopes, the Magpix Luminex instrument, Euroimmun Immunblot, and equipment used for manual assays.
• Perform manual assays, including ELISA, radial immunodiffusion, line blot assays, cold agglutinin titers, viscosity measurements, and cryoglobulin and cryofibrinogen testing.
• Perform subjective immunofluorescence microscopy, including testing for ANA, ANCA, and other cytoplasmic antibodies on tissue substrates.
• Use laboratory computer systems and programs, including instrument-linked computers, Sunquest LIS, Lab Medicine server systems, UW Medicine systems such as Epic, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, MyChem, and MediaLab.
• Use Immunology Lab procedures and quick reference guides.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance according to SOPs.
• Run quality controls according to SOPs, evaluate results, and take appropriate action when controls fail.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and interact appropriately with technical support services.
• Work independently, manage assigned workload, seek help when needed, and assist others or work on projects when scheduled assignments are complete.
• Participate in laboratory quality-improvement projects and method-validation studies.
• Attend laboratory staff meetings and review interlaboratory communications, including Teams postings, meeting notes, and procedure or job-aid changes.
• Enter patient and quality-control data into the LIS and notify Client Support Services when results need to be faxed.
• Monitor reagent inventories and ensure supplies arrive in time for validation studies and clinical testing.
• Monitor quality-control materials and ensure new supplies are checked out and ready for use.
• Answer questions from other laboratories and providers about Immunology Lab testing services.
• Train and teach new employees, medical students, DLMP residents, and MLS program students.
• Help maintain a safe laboratory environment and participate in technical competency assessment and continuing education programs.
• Follow departmental Environment of Care policies, workplace safety protocols, patient confidentiality policies, and applicable SOPs for compliance and workplace integrity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Vacation 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 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