Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory (Full Time, One-Year Appointment)

We are seeking a Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 to join the UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory within the UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA. This role focuses on performing clinical laboratory testing in an automated Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) and manual environment, ensuring accurate, timely, and high-quality patient results.

About the Role

This position involves operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, validating, and optimizing automated analyzers and specimen automation systems across the Core Laboratory, including Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis. The role ensures analyzer performance, manages automation workflows, and validates data through middleware and the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Responsibilities

• Perform testing on Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis instrumentation, including running various sample types, performing dilutions/neutralizations/ultracentrifugation, and understanding reportable ranges for each test.
• Run and evaluate quality control on all applicable general bench procedures according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance procedures on all general bench instruments according to SOPs.
• Perform appropriate quality assurance procedures for flagged samples as indicated by middleware for each sample in LIS and/or HC1 automated analyzer.
• Determine when results are reportable and validate them in the middleware program to report to the Lab Information System (LIS).
• Understand troubleshooting documentation processes and escalate issues to the lead MLS and/or Manager as needed.
• Perform manual testing, including manual differentials, urine microscopic examinations, gram staining, slide interpretations, body fluid counts, and kit testing (e.g., pregnancy, occult blood, mononucleosis, HIV Antigen/Antibody, Rapid Strep).
• Analyze cytospin preparations and perform limited microbiology testing, including organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, serologic testing, and molecular testing (e.g., PCR).
• Differentiate normal and abnormal cell morphology, identify types of WBCs, nucleated cells, crystals, casts, and other urine elements.
• Train students and new employees in performing tasks for each bench in the sections for which they are trained.
• Perform reagent replenishment on automated analyzers and manual tests, including proper documentation and requests for new reagents or kits.
• Troubleshoot technical issues on automated analyzers and follow up with the section Lead or Manager.
• Detect questionable results requiring further quality assurance or troubleshooting to ensure accuracy.
• Recognize critical and urgent results, communicate them to clinical providers, and document these communications in the LIS.
• Retrieve samples, slides, reagents, or testing materials from storage as requested.
• Use computers, analyzer middleware, and the Laboratory Information System to report results, look up information, cancel/credit results, and request additional testing.
• Operate and monitor Total Laboratory Automation systems, including automated specimen receipt, centrifugation, decapping/recapping, aliquoting, routing, storage, and retrieval systems.
• Use Command Center automation middleware to monitor specimen flow and ensure appropriate routing to analyzers.
• Identify and resolve automation line errors (e.g., barcode read failures, clot detection flags, routing errors, sample integrity issues).
• Troubleshoot automation track stoppages and analyzer interface issues in collaboration with section Leads, IT, and vendor technical support.
• Perform validation and verification of new automation modules, analyzer interfaces, and middleware rule changes.
• Manage mislabeled specimens in accordance with SOPs and follow up with the Lab Medicine Resident (LMR) on call when appropriate.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on all related equipment, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Assist with the evaluation of new tests and instrumentation.
• Perform inventory, unpack, label, and put away supplies, rotating stock as needed and informing the Supervisor or Lead of low stock.
• Instruct new employees, students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows in routine procedures.
• Maintain TempTrack for related equipment.

Requirements

For an 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 from date of hire. Failure to attain certification within 18 months may result in termination.

For an MLS 1:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience.
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (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 (1) year of on-the-job experience in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward this requirement.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) platform.
• Experience in a high-volume core laboratory environment.
• Experience as an MLS generalist.

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.

Pay

Pay Range: $38.46 - $56.73 hourly

Schedule

• 100% FTE (Full-Time Equivalent).
• One-year appointment.
• Permanent evening shift.
• Work schedule to be discussed with the hiring manager.

About the Department

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine is a regional resource for clinical laboratory services, combining sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities with the resources of an academic institution. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and community service, the department serves labs and medical facilities 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 public health by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists, and other health professionals. UW Medicine values collaboration, integrity, compassion, and respect in a welcoming environment for patients, families, students, and colleagues.