Medical Laboratory Scientist 2, HMC Microbiology Laboratory

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) 2 with the Microbiology Team at Harborview Medical Center (HMC).

HMC is the only designated Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma and verified burn center in Washington state. We provide exemplary patient care, especially to vulnerable and underserved populations. The HMC Microbiology team performs mycobacteriology testing for our patients, as well as clients throughout Washington state. As a subset of the HMC microbiology lab, the mycobacteriology lab performs acid-fast bacilli smears, Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR, organism identification, and susceptibility testing. This lab coordinates with infection control and infectious diseases teams, as well as county and state public health labs to provide accurate and timely results for patients with concerns for mycobacterial infections.

In addition to performing the duties of an MLS 1, the MLS 2 will assist the Manager and MLS Leads with coordinating educational programs for staff and students, provide training and performance feedback to staff and students, and assist with daily operations.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday – Friday, with rotating weekends and holidays
• Day shift

What you’ll contribute:

• Exercise knowledge, judgment, and decision-making skills needed to recognize, troubleshoot, correct, and document problems associated with patient testing, quality control, and preventative maintenance. 
• Assist in the instruction and training of employees, post-doctoral fellows, residents, medical students, medical technology students, etc. Provide evaluation feedback in a timely manner. 
• Actively participate in continuing education activities, e.g., Plate Rounds, CAP online education, reading job-related journal articles, etc. 
• Assist in the development and evaluation of new procedures/processes and assess the relevance and accuracy of current procedures/processes. 
• Review the work of staff to ensure reports are correct and clinically relevant. Ensure corrected reports are issued ASAP, and timely corrective actions are taken and documented. Consult with healthcare providers concerning critical or abnormal findings. 
• Utilize information management systems to accession, status, verify, and reject orders. Input test results using the laboratory information system. 
• Ensure critical values, STAT results, courtesy notifications, and routine results are reported according to established protocols so that turn-around times are consistently within guidelines and documentation is complete. 
• Ensure quality control standards and competencies are met and documented; ensure preventative maintenance is performed according to established protocols assisting staff as needed. Troubleshoot methods and instrumentation. 
• Provide daily leadership as designated. Assist with the daily operations of staff to include management of workload, providing timely technical assistance to staff and clients, responding to inquiries and complaints, ensuring safety compliance, and minimizing overtime, etc. 
• Assist in the development and evaluation of new processes and/or procedures and participate in improving current processes. 
• Provide administrative assistance to include interviewing and selecting new employees, evaluating employees, documenting staff competencies, and recommending cost containment strategies, etc. Additional tasks that may be assigned include scheduling, purchasing supplies, quality improvement projects, and others as needed. 
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care or other services based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the patient. 
• Continuing education: keep ASCP or other certifications up to date per guidelines of national organization. 
• Perform all the duties of an MLS 1. 
• Performs related duties as required. 

What you’ll need:

• 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

• Two years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 or equivalent experience.

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 accrues 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 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.

About UW Medicine:

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, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. 

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.  

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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.