Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory

Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 Generalist performs clinical laboratory testing within an automated Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) and manual environment. This role is primarily focused on the operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, validation, and optimization of automated analyzers and specimen automation systems across the Core Laboratory, including Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis. The MLS Trainee/1 Generalist ensures accurate, timely, and high-quality patient results by maintaining analyzer performance, managing automation workflows, and validating data through middleware and the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Work schedule to be discussed with the hiring manager
• Night shift

What you'll contribute:

• Demonstrate the ability to perform testing on Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis instrumentation.
• Run and evaluate quality control on all applicable general bench procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly, and monthly on all general bench instruments according to SOPs.
• Perform appropriate quality assurance procedures for all flagged samples as indicated by the middleware for each sample in LIS and/or HC1 automated analyzer as instructed by the SOPs and the middleware.
• Perform manual testing for each section reporting via the middleware into the LIS.
• Perform limited microbiology testing, including, but not limited to, organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, serologic testing, and molecular testing (e.g., PCR) in accordance with established laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrate the ability to differentiate normal and abnormal cell morphology, identify and differentiate types of WBCs and nucleated cells, crystals, casts, other urine elements.
• Train students and new employees in performing the tasks assigned for each bench in the sections for which they are trained.
• Perform reagent replenishment on the various automated analyzers and for other manual tests as needed.
• Perform maintenance procedures on the automated analyzers in the sections for which they are trained. Troubleshoot technical issues as they arise and follow up with the section Lead or Manager for the department.
• Detect when results are questionable and may require further Quality Assurance or troubleshooting to ensure the accuracy of the results. Perform quality control and quality assurance requirements and follow procedures to validate test results.
• Recognize critical and other urgent results that may need to be called to a clinical provider. Correctly communicate these results to the appropriate provider in the expected timeframe and to note these communications in the Lab Information System.
• Retrieve samples, slides, reagents, or any testing materials needed for review from storage when requested.
• Use computers to access all required computer applications.
• Use the analyzer middleware and the Laboratory Information System to accurately report results on patient samples and look up information as needed. Cancel and credit results as needed, notify providers of canceled tests, and enter requests for additional testing as needed in accordance with SOPs.
• Operate and monitor Total Laboratory Automation systems, including automated analyzers, automated specimen receipt, centrifugation, decapping/recapping, aliquoting, routing, storage, and retrieval systems.
• Use Command Center automation middleware to monitor specimen flow. Use the automation track to ensure appropriate routing to Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis analyzers. Ensure all testing is completed and reported by the system.
• 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.
• Recognize and manage mislabeled specimens in accordance with SOPs. Follow up with the LMR (Lab Medicine Resident) on call when appropriate.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on all related equipment.
• Make decisions based upon written policies and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills when new situations arise. Know the critical limits for all tests (or how to access them quickly) for which critical values are defined and report them to appropriate medical staff and documents the information according to laboratory policy. Follow established protocols for reporting STAT results and ensure turnaround times (TAT) meet expectation.
• Assist with the evaluation of new tests and instrumentation. Perform inventory in assigned areas, unpack, label, and put away supplies, taking care to rotate stock as needed and informing the Supervisor or Lead well in advance when any items are getting low.
• Instruct new employees, medical laboratory scientist program students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows in routine procedures with tolerant patience.
• Maintain TempTrack for related equipment.

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.

Desired Requirements:

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

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 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 include