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

University of Washington • Renton, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine 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 provides a complex and diverse test menu, state-of-the-art instrumentation, and opportunities to develop technical expertise and grow professionally.

Requirements

• For the MLS Trainee level: accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience.
• For the MLS Trainee level: eligibility to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from ASCP within 18 months of hire; failure to attain certification within that period may result in a recommendation for termination.
• For the MLS 1 level: accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/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 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 testing 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 through trained sections and maintain competency in each.
• 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 to validate results.
• Manage average workloads independently and request assistance when workloads are heavier.
• Perform work accurately and precisely; recognize, correct, and document errors.
• Interact professionally with health care providers.
• Identify critical or reportable results and follow procedures for reporting them 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 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 public transit pass covering multiple forms of regional public transportation.
• 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