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

University of Washington Medical Center • Renton, WA

5d • $38 - $57 • 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 lab performs specialty testing, 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 laboratory testing to support screening, diagnosis, and treatment of pathological conditions. The role uses automated immunoanalyzers, IFA and ELISA processors, electrophoresis equipment, immunofluorescent microscopes, Luminex and immunoblot instruments, and manual testing methods. The employee also uses laboratory information and other computer systems, maintains and troubleshoots instruments, performs quality control, documents results, monitors supplies, supports quality improvement and validation activities, and contributes to staff training and laboratory safety.

This is a regular, 100% FTE position with a Monday–Friday schedule consisting of 10-hour day shifts and a fixed day off. The pay range is $38.46–$56.73 per hour.

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 obtain 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 on-the-job 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 tests used in screening, diagnosing, and treating pathological conditions.
• Perform assigned testing on patient, research, and proficiency-testing samples accurately and precisely.
• Use automated immunoanalyzers, IFA and ELISA processors, electrophoresis apparatus and scanners, immunofluorescent microscopes, Magpix Luminex instruments, Euroimmun Immunblot, and manual assay methods.
• Perform manual assays such as 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 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 QC fails.
• 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.
• Participate in laboratory staff meetings and review intra-laboratory 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 working environment.
• Participate in technical competency assessment and continuing education programs as scheduled.
• 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 time and sick time accrue monthly.
• 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to six 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