Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology

The UW Medicine Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Renton, WA seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 for the Microbiology Team at the Renton Central Lab. The laboratory features state-of-the-art instrumentation and a first-class facility, providing an outstanding environment for high-quality diagnostic testing and professional growth. As a regional reference laboratory, the Renton Central Lab offers a diverse and complex test menu, collaboration with experienced professionals, and ongoing opportunities to expand technical expertise and advance your career.

Schedule

100% FTE, Wednesday to Sunday day shift (First Shift).

Responsibilities

• Prepares, evaluates, and reports direct smears including Gram stains, KOH preps, Pneumocystis DFA stains, Auramine-O stains, Kinyoun stains, and Wright/Giemsa.
• Performs various tests for identification of bacteria, yeast, mold, and parasites on routine benches per laboratory protocols.
• Performs susceptibility tests (disk diffusion, E-test, MIC, and other methods as required) on pathogens per laboratory protocols.
• Performs various serological procedures including PCR, EIA, and latex agglutinations.
• Rotates and maintains competency in all sections where trained.
• Operates a variety of laboratory equipment (automated blood culture system, mass spectrometry instrument, automated susceptibility system, Verigene, BioFire, Cepheid GeneXpert, microscopes, biological safety cabinet, anoxomat) and performs basic maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Exhibits working knowledge of the laboratory information system software and can teach it to others.
• Understands quality control requirements and follows policies to validate results.
• Works independently to manage average workloads and knows when to request assistance for heavier workloads.
• Performs work accurately and precisely; recognizes, corrects, and documents errors when they occur.
• Interacts with health care providers in a professional manner.
• Knows critical or reportable results and follows policies for reporting them to appropriate medical staff, epidemiology, or Public Health Laboratory.
• Assists with evaluation of new tests/equipment and research projects as required.
• Instructs new employees, medical laboratory scientist students, medical students, residents, and fellows in routine procedures.
• Continues education and maintains certification by attending Lab Medicine seminars, in-services, staff meetings, reading scientific journals, and participating in CAP proficiency surveys.

Requirements

Medical Laboratory Scientist 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 from date of hire. Failure to attain certification within 18 months may result in a recommendation for termination.

Medical Laboratory Scientist 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 specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division.
• 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.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

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) covering multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Free fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

For detailed benefits information, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/.

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research, and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, the department serves labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $38.46 – $56.73.

Position Details

• Shift: First Shift (United States of America)
• Regular (non-temporary) position
• FTE: 100.00%
• Union/Bargaining Unit: SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech