Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics

Job Description

Who we’re looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics (DIDD) at the Renton Central Laboratory.

Join UW Medicine’s DIDD team and play a vital role in identifying the pathogens responsible for complex infections and helping clinicians make timely, informed treatment decisions. This position offers the opportunity to apply advanced medical laboratory science skills across a broad range of diagnostic methods, including microbiology, virology, molecular diagnostics, microscopy, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Working in a dynamic, clinically focused environment, you will contribute directly to patient care while helping advance diagnostic quality, troubleshoot complex testing challenges, and support the development and implementation of new laboratory methods.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Sunday - Thursday with rotating holidays
• Night shift

What you’ll contribute:

• Perform clinical infectious disease diagnostic laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures, regulatory requirements, and laboratory quality standards.
• Prepare, evaluate, and report direct smears and stains, including but not limited to Gram stains, KOH preparations, Pneumocystis DFA stains, acridine orange stains, Kinyoun stains, and Wright/Giemsa stains.
• Perform routine laboratory testing for the identification of bacteria, yeast, and parasites in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including disk diffusion, Etest, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and other approved methods, as applicable.
• Perform serological and molecular testing procedures, including latex agglutination, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.
• Operate a variety of laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including automated blood culture systems, mass spectrometry instruments, automated susceptibility testing systems, BioFire systems, Cepheid GeneXpert systems, microscopes, biological safety cabinets, and Anoxomat systems.
• Record, evaluate, and interpret laboratory test results. Recognize and appropriately respond to unusual, discrepant, or critical findings and communicate such findings to the appropriate laboratory or clinical personnel.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of laboratory procedures and processes. Participate in troubleshooting testing procedures, instrumentation, and workflow issues, including problems that may or may not require direct wet-laboratory involvement. Apply knowledge gained through medical laboratory science education and experience performing moderate- to high-complexity testing to identify and resolve laboratory issues.
• Calibrate, operate, troubleshoot, perform or assist with preventive maintenance of laboratory instruments and related equipment in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
• Perform and document quality control activities required to validate patient test results. Monitor QC performance, recognize trends and shifts, investigate QC failures, and participate in corrective actions. Maintain compliance with the laboratory's ongoing quality assurance program and utilize electronic quality control systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency with computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software required for laboratory operations, data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Demonstrate proficiency with the laboratory information system (LIS), discipline-specific middleware, and institution-based computer systems used for test result entry, review, data acquisition, quality control, and laboratory workflow management.
• Participate in the orientation, instruction, and training of new employees, post-doctoral fellows, residents, students, and other laboratory personnel as assigned.
• Serve as a technical resource to other laboratory personnel, including Clinical Laboratory Technicians and Specimen Processing Technicians, within the scope of training, competency, and established laboratory procedures.
• Assist with the design, development, validation, implementation, and evaluation of new laboratory procedures, assays, processes, and workflow improvements supporting infectious disease diagnostics.
• Prepare, evaluate, and verify the quality and performance of reagents, standards, calibrators, and control materials in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Maintain professional competency and continuing education requirements in accordance with ASCP or other applicable national certification organization guidelines and institutional requirements.
• Participate in laboratory quality improvement, regulatory compliance, safety, and accreditation activities as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the operations and mission of the DIDD.

What you’ll need:

Requirements for an MLS Trainee:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience AND
• 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 the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination.

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

Requirements for an MLS 1:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience AND
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division AND
• 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.

What we offer:

• 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.
• And much more!

About the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics:

The Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics supports UW Medicine’s clinical mission by providing reliable, high-quality laboratory testing that helps identify infectious diseases and informs patient management. Our work spans a wide range of diagnostic techniques and requires technical expertise, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to quality and patient safety.

Our team values collaboration, scientific curiosity, accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development. We work together to maintain rigorous quality standards, resolve testing challenges, support colleagues, and ensure that laboratory results are accurate, timely, and clinically meaningful. By combining specialized expertise with a commitment to innovation and service, we help support the care of UW Medicine patients and contribute to broader efforts to improve infectious disease diagnosis and treatment.

For candidates who enjoy applying science to real-world clinical challenges, working with advanced diagnostic technologies, and making a meaningful difference behind the scenes, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to the health of our community.

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 the 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, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER 

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

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.