Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, HMC Transfusion Services Laboratory

We are seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 to join the Transfusion Services Laboratory at Harborview Medical Center (HMC), the only designated Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma and burn center in Washington state. Our lab provides critical blood components for emergency and surgical patients, supports multiple ambulance and air medical transport services, and participates in clinical trials focused on whole blood versus component therapy.

About the role

The Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 performs clinical laboratory testing essential for screening, diagnosing, and treating pathological conditions. Responsibilities include pretransfusion testing (automated and manual methods), routine and complex antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation, sample processing, quality control, and trauma response. This role also involves training students and new employees, participating in special projects, and potentially responding to trauma codes or delivering blood products to the bedside.

If hired as an MLS Trainee, you will begin at the technologist security level. Upon successful completion of training and competency assessment, you will perform testing independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform accurate and precise analysis of blood and blood products in the transfusion service laboratory.
• Follow established procedures and guidelines for testing and documentation.
• Complete routine tasks without direct supervision, ensuring attention to detail and critical review to avoid errors.
• Use professional judgment to assess test result acceptability and donor compatibility for transfusion.
• Investigate and resolve issues related to specimen collection or handling, ensuring quality and timeliness of results.
• Take appropriate action on critical, abnormal, or unusual results, including communication with healthcare providers.
• Complete patient and quality control procedures within defined time limits, prioritizing workload for STAT requests.
• Coordinate multiple procedures simultaneously while meeting test completion deadlines.
• Collaborate as a team member to maintain workflow, assist with heavy workloads, and support special projects.
• Display flexibility in adapting to new routines, schedule modifications, and emergency coverage needs (overtime, on-call, call-back).
• Maintain a clean and efficient work area, including bench and equipment cleaning, and monitor supply stock.
• Perform and document daily quality control, analyze QC data, and institute corrective actions as needed.
• Follow maintenance protocols for instruments and document appropriately.
• Monitor QA indicators on instruments and implement corrective actions.
• Understand and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including multi-parameter cell counters and automated coagulation analyzers.
• Document instrument issues and notify the lead technologist for assistance.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of the laboratory information system software.
• Train and supervise Medical Laboratory Science students, new employees, or trainees, including reviewing progress and providing feedback.
• Represent the department professionally in interactions with healthcare teams, demonstrating strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Maintain competency and job knowledge through continuing education and in-service opportunities.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols, including universal precautions and proper handling of biohazardous materials.
• Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills and maintain awareness of safety procedures.
• Perform related duties such as proficiency testing, reagent preparation, procedure evaluation, and special projects.
• Prepare and process samples for transport/testing or respond to trauma codes as required.

Requirements

For MLS Trainee:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent education/experience.
• Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months of hire. Failure to attain certification may result in termination.

For MLS 1:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent education/experience.
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with ASCP or equivalent certifying organization, or certification with a specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division.
• One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one year of externship experience in a Medical Laboratory Science Program may count toward this requirement.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ experience in all aspects of pretransfusion testing in an acute care environment.
• Automation experience preferred.

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 institutions.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) for regional transportation.
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, disability, and retirement plan options.
• Access to free fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes through the Whole U program.

Pay

Pay Range: $38.46 – $56.73 hourly.

Schedule

• 100% FTE (Full-Time Equivalent).
• Night shift (2130 – 0800); final schedule to be discussed with hiring manager.

About the Department

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine is a regional resource for clinical laboratory services, supporting innovative patient care, research, and educational programs. Combining accredited laboratory capabilities with academic resources, the department delivers clinical and anatomic pathology services nationally and internationally. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, research, and community service, the department serves labs and medical facilities across the region.

About UW Medicine

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system with a top-rated medical school and internationally recognized research center. Its mission is to improve public health through advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care, and preparing future healthcare professionals. With nearly 29,000 employees, UW Medicine includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center (Montlake and Northwest), Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. Join us in making life healthier for everyone in our community.