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

University of Washington Medical Center • Seattle, WA

5d • $38 - $57 • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology is hiring a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 for the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics at the Renton Central Lab in Seattle, Washington. The Division’s virology clinical laboratories perform diagnostic testing for a broad range of human pathogens, including herpes group, HIV, hepatitis, respiratory, and enteric viruses. The division provides patient care and supports clinical decision-making through high-quality diagnostic laboratory services.

The role performs clinical virology testing and supports laboratory procedures, quality assurance, instrumentation, training, and the development of new procedures and processes. The work involves hands-on use of laboratory instruments, molecular diagnostics, automation, and evolving methodologies. This is a regular, 100% FTE position on the evening shift, scheduled Tuesday through Saturday with rotating holidays.

Requirements

• For the MLS Trainee level: an accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, or equivalent education or 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 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 or 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.
• Proficiency with computer systems and programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems, discipline-specific middleware, and institution-based computer systems for test-result entry and/or data acquisition.
• Comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing based on medical laboratory science training and experience performing moderate- to high-complexity testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical virology diagnostic laboratory tests; record, evaluate, and interpret results; and contact appropriate personnel about unusual or critical findings.
• Assist with developing and following procedures and troubleshooting procedures and problems, including work that may not involve wet-lab activity.
• Calibrate, operate, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and related equipment.
• Ensure quality-control requirements are met to validate results; record data; maintain an ongoing quality-assurance program; and use the electronic quality-control system.
• Use computer systems and programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as laboratory information systems, discipline-specific middleware, and institution-based systems for test-result entry and data acquisition.
• Assist with instruction and training for new employees, post-doctoral fellows, residents, and students.
• Serve as a resource to other laboratory personnel, including Clinical Laboratory Technicians and Specimen Processing Technicians.
• Assist in designing, developing, and evaluating new procedures and processes.
• Prepare reagents, standards, and control samples and verify their quality.
• Keep ASCP or other certification current according to the relevant national organization’s guidelines.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Relocation incentive for eligible new employees.
• Vacation and sick leave accrued monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to six credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or participating colleges and universities.
• Fully subsidized U-PASS covering multiple forms of regional public transportation.
• Healthcare, dental, disability, and 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