Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory

About the role

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Seattle, WA is seeking a Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory. This role operates, monitors, troubleshoots, validates, and optimizes automated analyzers and specimen automation systems across the Core Laboratory, including Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical laboratory testing on Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis instrumentation.
• Run and evaluate quality control on all applicable general bench procedures.
• Maintain analyzer performance and manage automation workflows.
• Validate data through middleware and the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Determine when results are reportable and validate them in the middleware program.
• Understand and troubleshoot documentation processes for quality control.
• Perform manual testing for each section reporting via the middleware into the LIS.
• Train students and new employees in performing tasks assigned for each bench.
• Perform reagent replenishment and maintain maintenance procedures on the automated analyzers.
• Operate and monitor Total Laboratory Automation systems, including automated analyzers, specimen receipt, centrifugation, decapping/recapping, aliquoting, routing, storage, and retrieval systems.
• Resolve automation line errors, troubleshoot track stoppages, and interface issues.
• Manage mislabeled specimens and follow up with the LMR on call when necessary.
• Perform inventory and instruct new employees in routine procedures.

Requirements

• 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.
• One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee.
• Experience working in a Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) platform.
• Experience in a high-volume core laboratory environment.
• Experience as MLS generalist.

Qualifications

• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Skills

• Ability to perform testing on various laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and quality assurance practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Includes vacation time and sick time off, 12 paid holidays, state employee tuition exemption program, fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS), and excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options. Additional benefits include free fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes through the Whole U.

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution. It serves labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

About UW Medicine

UW Medicine is Washington's only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. Its mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care, and preparing future physicians, scientists, and other health professionals.