Specimen Processing Supervisor, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology

University of Washington Medical Center • Renton, WA

2d • $70,500 - $100,872 • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Renton, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Specimen Processing Supervisor with the Microbiology Lab at the Renton Central Lab. The Microbiology Specimen Processing Supervisor (SPS) oversees and coordinates operations within Microbiology Pre-analytical Processing section, with a primary focus on microbiology workflows. This role ensures accurate and timely specimen accessioning, specimen handling and processing, distribution in support of microbiological testing, including but not limited to culture setup, Gram stains, and molecular diagnostics. Other technical responsibilities of this role are the oversight, operation, and maintenance of automated microbiology instrumentation. This includes systems such as the WASP (Walk-Away Specimen Processor), automated plate streaking platforms, total laboratory automation (TLA) systems, smart incubators, and digital imaging platforms. The supervisor also oversees environmental and equipment monitoring systems such as TempTrak, ensuring continuous temperature and environmental compliance for incubators, refrigerators and freezers. This position is responsible for staff oversight, including but not limited to hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, evaluations, and performance management. Working closely with the microbiology manager, MLS leads, and other laboratory section’s staff and leadership, this position supports operational efficiency, quality outcomes, and organizational goals. The supervisor ensures compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards and actively participates in quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Two years of college-level science in an applicable field AND one year of experience as a Specimen Processing Technician Lead
• High School graduation or GED certification AND two years of clinical laboratory experience in a Clinical or Public Health Laboratory
• Equivalent education/experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a major medical hospital laboratory
• Experience with laboratory information system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate pre-analytical operations with emphasis on microbiology specimen accessioning, processing, and workflow.
• Oversee all CLT functions related to specimen handling and processing.
• Oversee operation, monitor, and maintain automated microbiology systems, including WASP, automated streakers, smart incubators, and digital imaging systems.
• Delegate and perform routine and preventive maintenance, calibration checks, and quality control for microbiology instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot instrument errors, document issues, and coordinate vendor support and service calls as needed.
• Oversee environmental monitoring systems such as TempTrak, including temperature tracking for incubators, refrigerators, freezers, and ambient storage areas.
• Respond to temperature excursions and alarms, perform required documentation, and initiate corrective actions in accordance with policy.
• Ensure proper specimen processing for microbiology testing, including appropriate media selection, labeling, incubation setup, and routing.
• Train and ensure staff competency in microbiology processing workflows, automation platforms, and monitoring systems.
• Assign, delegate, schedule, and oversee staff workload to support a 24/7 SPS operation.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations and address performance issues, including corrective actions.
• Responsible for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing staff development
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, and Department of Health.
• Monitor quality indicators and utilize systems (e.g., HC1, incident reporting tools) to identify and resolve errors or workflow issues.
• Collaborate with microbiology and other laboratory sections to improve turnaround times and service quality.
• Oversee inventory management for supplies, including but not limited to culture media, reagents, and consumables.
• Ensure completion of equipment maintenance and proper documentation
• Participate in inspections, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with budget preparation and cost analysis for equipment and operations
• Utilize LIS and other software systems for data management, reporting, and workflow tracking.
• Communicate regularly with staff and hospital departments to resolve operational issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree