Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC – Montlake Microbiology Lab

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

1d • $38 - $56

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the Microbiology Team at the University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake. The MLS Trainee/1 plays a key role in improving the health of our patients by reporting pathogens and susceptibility information to providers by using many of the latest methods for identification and susceptibility testing.

Requirements

• Requirements for an MLS Trainee: Accredited bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination.
• Requirements for an MLS 1: Accredited bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division AND One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Perform various tests for the identification of bacteria, yeast, mold and parasites on the routine benches per laboratory protocols.
• Perform susceptibility tests (disk diffusion, E-test, MIC and other methods as required) on pathogens per laboratory protocols.
• Prepare, evaluate, and report direct smears, including but not limited, to Gram stains, KOH preps, Pneumocystis DFA stains, Auramine-O stains, Kinyoun stains and Wright/Giemsa.
• Perform various serological procedures including PCR, EIA and latex agglutinations.
• Rotate and maintain competency in all sections where trained.
• Understand and operate a variety of laboratory equipment (i.e. automated blood culture system, mass spectrometry instrument, automated susceptibility system, Verigene, BioFire, Cepheid Gene Xpert, microscopes, biological safety cabinet and anoxomat) and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Exhibit a working knowledge of the laboratory information system software and teach it to others.
• Understand quality control requirements and follow policies to validate results.
• Work independently to manage average workloads and know when to request assistance in case of heavier workloads.
• Perform work accurately and precisely and recognizes, corrects and documents errors when they occur.
• Interact with health care providers in a professional manner.
• Know what results are critical or reportable and follow the policies and procedures for reporting them to appropriate medical staff, epidemiology or Public Health Laboratory.
• Assist with the evaluation of new tests/equipment and research projects as required.
• Instruct new employees, medical laboratory scientist students, medical students, residents and fellows in routine procedures.
• Participate in continuing education and maintain certification by attending DLMP seminars, in services, staff meetings and/or by reading scientific journals and participating in CAP proficiency surveys.

Benefits

• Relocation incentive for eligible new employees.
• Vacation time and sick time off 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 other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic 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
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees