Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Renton Central Lab: Immunology  

Location: Renton, WA

Job Description

Who we’re looking for

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

The Immunology Lab performs a wide range of unique assays from a variety of specialty clinics. We offer autoantibody testing, as well as run electrophoresis, IFA, allergy and ELISA assays, as well as many other manual and automated tests. We also do a CSF specific transferrin test, which runs electrophoresis and immunofixation on a body fluid in parallel with serum to check for CSF leakage. Additionally, we work in conjunction with the Dr. Nghiem Lab, which is the only lab in the world that currently runs the Anti-Merkel Cell Panel for Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Work schedule

100% FTE

Mon-Fri, 10-hour days with a fixed day off

Day shift

What you’ll contribute

Perform clinical laboratory tests used in the screening, diagnosing, and treating of pathological conditions:

Perform laboratory testing on samples (i.e., patient, research, and proficiency testing), accurately and precisely, as assigned:

Using the following types of instruments

Automated Immunoanalyzers (e.g., Binding Site Optilite, BioRad BioPlex, Phadia250)

Automated IFA and/or ELISA processors (e.g., BioRad PhD).

Electrophoresis apparatus and scanners (e.g., Sebia Phoresis, Assist, Hydrasys)

Immunofluorescent microscopes (Nikon and Zeiss)

Magpix Luminex instrument, Euroimmun Immunblot

Manual assays. Examples

ELISA

Radial Immunodiffusion

Line Blot Assays

Cold Agglutinin Titers

Viscosity measurements

Cryoglobulins/Cryofibrinogens

Subjective immunofluorescence microscopy. Examples

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA)

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)

Other cytoplasmic antibodies on tissue substrates

Use a variety of computer systems/programs including, but not limited to:

Instrument linked computers

Sunquest LIS

Lab Medicine server systems

UW Medicine systems (e.g., Epic)

Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

MyChem

MediaLab

Be familiar with and able to use the Immunology Lab procedure and quick reference guides.

Perform maintenance procedures, daily, weekly and monthly on Immunology instruments according to SOPs.

Run Quality Controls (QC) according to SOPs. Evaluate QC results and take appropriate steps with there are QC failures.

Troubleshoot instrument issues, interacting appropriately with technical support services.

Work independently and manage assigned workload; ask for help if needed.

Help others and/or work on projects when scheduled assignments are completed.

Participate in laboratory quality improvement projects and method validation studies.

Participate in laboratory staff meetings.

Review all intra laboratory communication documents (e.g., Microsoft Teams posting, meeting notes, procedure/job aids changes)

Enter patient and Quality Control Data into the LIS. Notify Client Support Services to fax results as needed.

Monitor reagent inventories and ensure that supplies arrive in time to perform validation studies before they are needed for clinical testing.

Monitor quality control materials and ensure that new supplies are checked out and ready for use.

Answer questions from other laboratories and providers about the testing services offered in the Immunology lab.

Train and teach new employees, medical students, DLMP Residents, and MLS program students.

Work to maintain a safe working environment in the laboratory.

Participate in technical Competency Assessment programs.

Participate in continuing education programs, as scheduled.

Be familiar with Departmental “Environment of Care” Policies, Workplace Safety Protocols, patient confidentiality policies, and all SOPs regarding departmental and divisional compliance and integrity in the workplace.

Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

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.

Desired qualifications

Experience with Immunology assays and instruments

Excellent communication skills with colleagues

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