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.
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology serves as a regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for patient care, research and educational programs in laboratory medicine. The department currently employs 900 people who work at the award-winning University of Washington Medical Center (ranked among the top medical centers in the United States as rated by U.S. News & World Report), Harborview Medical Center (the region's only Level I Trauma center, known for innovations and excellence in trauma care and its centers of emphasis: Trauma, Burn, Neurosciences, AIDS/STD CARER, and mentally- and medically- vulnerable populations.), and many other clinical and research facilities in the area. The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement and natural beauty.
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology - Molecular Microbiology Division has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time, day shift MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST 1 OR TRAINEE.
SCHEDULE: Anticipated schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday with occasional holidays
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs various PCR tests for the identification of bacteria, yeast, and parasites in the Molecular Diagnostic Division per laboratory protocols
Performs DNA extraction by manual methods, sets up PCR reactions, real-time PCR reactions, and DNA sequencing reactions
Understands and operates a variety of molecular laboratory equipment (Qiacube DNA extractor, Qiagility liquid handler, Qiaxcel DNA analyzer, 3730xl DNA sequencer, Illumina DNA sequencer) and is able to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting
Exhibits a working knowledge of the laboratory information system software and can teach it to others
Uses the molecular database (MAD) to enter data, print worksheets, analyze DNA sequences, and prepare case reports
Uses DNA analyzing softwares such as BLAST, BLAST2Tree, and ClustalW
Understands quality control requirements and follows policies to validate results
Works independently to manage average workloads and knows when to request assistance in case of heavier workloads
Performs work accurately and precisely and recognizes, corrects, and documents errors when they occur
Interacts with health care providers in a professional manner
Knows what results are critical or reportable and follows the policies and procedures for reporting them to appropriate medical staff, epidemiology or Public Health Laboratory
Assists with the evaluation of new tests/equipment and research projects as required
Instructs new employees, medical laboratory students, medical students, residents and fellows in routine procedures and is patient and tolerant with them
Continues education and maintain certification by attending Laboratory Medicine seminars, in services, staff meetings and/or by reading scientific journals and participating in CAP proficiency surveys
REQUIREMENTS: This position will be offered as a Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 or Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee dependent upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Requirements for MLS Trainee: Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Science certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology, with successful completion and certification within one year from date of hire. Failure of Medical Laboratory Science graduates to attain certification within one year of date of hire will result in a recommendation for termination.
Requirements for MLS 1: Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND Current Medical Laboratory Science certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology or equivalent certifying organization; or certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division. AND One year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count towards the experience requirement.
DESIRED: Experience in molecular biology lab work
UW Medicine includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.