Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics

University of Washington • Renton, WA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology is hiring a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 for the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics at the Renton Central Laboratory in Seattle, Washington. The role performs clinical infectious disease diagnostic testing using methods spanning microbiology, virology, molecular diagnostics, microscopy, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. It contributes to patient care by supporting timely, accurate diagnostic results, resolving testing and workflow challenges, maintaining quality standards, and helping develop and implement laboratory methods.

The position is regular, 100% FTE, and scheduled Sunday through Thursday with rotating holidays on the night shift. The role operates in a clinically focused laboratory environment and collaborates with laboratory and clinical personnel to support quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and patient care.

The role may be filled at the MLS Trainee or MLS 1 level. Trainees must be eligible to take the applicable ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination within 18 months of hire. MLS 1 candidates must hold current applicable certification and meet the stated experience requirement.

Requirements

• MLS Trainee: Accredited bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, or equivalent education/experience.
• MLS Trainee: Eligible 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.
• MLS 1: Accredited bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, or equivalent education/experience.
• 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.
• 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software needed for laboratory operations, data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems, discipline-specific middleware, and institutional computer systems used for testing, results, quality control, and workflow management.

Responsibilities

• Perform infectious disease diagnostic laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
• Prepare, evaluate, and report direct smears and stains, including Gram, KOH, Pneumocystis DFA, acridine orange, Kinyoun, and Wright/Giemsa stains.
• Perform routine testing to identify bacteria, yeast, and parasites.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing using methods such as disk diffusion, Etest, MIC, and other approved methods.
• Perform serological and molecular testing, including latex agglutination, EIA, and PCR procedures.
• Operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including automated blood culture systems, mass spectrometry instruments, automated susceptibility testing systems, BioFire and Cepheid GeneXpert systems, microscopes, biological safety cabinets, and Anoxomat systems.
• Record, evaluate, and interpret test results; recognize unusual, discrepant, or critical findings and communicate them to appropriate laboratory or clinical personnel.
• Assist with development, implementation, and evaluation of laboratory procedures and processes.
• Troubleshoot testing procedures, instrumentation, and workflow issues, applying medical laboratory science knowledge and experience with moderate- to high-complexity testing.
• Calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot instruments; perform or assist with preventive maintenance in accordance with procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
• Perform and document quality control activities, monitor QC performance, investigate failures and trends, participate in corrective actions, and use electronic quality control systems.
• Use computer applications, the laboratory information system, middleware, and institutional systems for data analysis, documentation, reporting, result entry and review, quality control, and workflow management.
• Participate in orientation, instruction, and training of laboratory personnel as assigned; serve as a technical resource to laboratory staff within the scope of training and competency.
• Assist with design, development, validation, implementation, and evaluation of laboratory procedures, assays, processes, and workflow improvements.
• Prepare, evaluate, and verify the quality and performance of reagents, standards, calibrators, and control materials.
• Maintain professional competency and continuing education in accordance with applicable certification organization and institutional requirements.
• Participate in laboratory quality improvement, regulatory compliance, safety, and accreditation activities.
• Perform other related duties supporting the operations and mission of the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics.

Benefits

• Monthly accruing vacation and sick time
• 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 institutions
• Fully subsidized U-PASS public transit pass
• Healthcare plan options
• Dental plan options
• Disability plan options
• Retirement 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