MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST - TRAINEE

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

The University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine (SOM) Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology become a single Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) on July 1, 2020.  The DLMP employs ~ 130 faculty, 800 staff, 60 residents and fellows, and 50 post docs and graduate students, with an annual budget of over $200 million:  ~ $141 million in the SOM and ~$65 million in UW Medicine.  A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for cutting edge patient care, research and educational programs, we combine the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomical pathology services.   Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve the five state WWAMI region: WA, WY, AK, MT, and ID.

We offer over 30 graduate medical education programs, including 18 subspecialty clinical fellowships (ACGME & Non-ACGME), a residency program in clinical and anatomical pathology, a clinical research fellowship, a post sophomore fellowship, and 13 medical student clerkships.  Our graduate programs provide innovative educational opportunities to developing medical practitioners and bio clinical researchers. The Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease (M3D) PhD Program trains students to use advances in basic sciences to solve problems relevant to human disease; and, to use insights from human disease processes to solve fundamental biological problems. The UW Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is a dual degree MD/PhD program between the SOM and UW Research. The program trains scientists to develop a broad knowledge in medicine and the ability to productively investigate detailed mechanisms associated with human diseases.

Our operations are based at the University of Washington School of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.   Faculty members also serve at Seattle Children's Hospital, the Veteran’s Administration Puget Sound Healthcare System, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.  Our collaborative efforts have generated innovative, translational studies in the basic mechanisms of disease as they apply to diagnostic clinical and anatomical pathology.  The 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.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a 1.0 FTE Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist will perform all necessary laboratory testing in the detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of disease. The Medical Laboratory Scientist will work collaboratively with the laboratory team to provide testing services to the clients. Additional tasks can be assigned at the discretion of the Supervisor/Manager/Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs high complexity molecular genomics tests on clinical and research subjects. The main task is conducting genomic microarray test and RNA sequencing on clinical samples, including DNA and RNA extraction from different sample types, nucleic acid digestion, PCR, labeling DNA using appropriate methods, array hybridization and washing, array scanning and data processing, preparing RNA sequencing libraries.
• Specific data analyses include: analyses of large data sets from microarray and RNA sequencing, genome database searches, and bioinformatics analyses.
• Independently develop conclusions and present genomic microarray and RNA sequencing findings with limited supervision.
• Troubleshoot technical problems and propose alternative methodology, such as using different method for compromised DNA and RNA samples from different sample types.
• Performs duties related to routine laboratory upkeep and readiness. Maintains a clean and functional working environment, an order and inventory tracking system and clear records of equipment maintenance and specimen handling.
• Participating in the development of new clinical diagnostic tests and motivated to try new things.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

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.

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:
• Knowledge of next¬generation sequencing protocols and analysis packages is desired.
• Strong molecular biology background, data analyses with web¬tools are required. Must have ability to works independently with limited supervision; good verbal and written communication skills; ability to work in a diverse and team environment; strong interpersonal skill.

SKILLS: Trained on and able to operate all laboratory equipment, concise oral presentation and written communication skills, computer literate.
Environmental and Job Hazards:   Exposure to communicable diseases, (blood borne pathogens) and toxic substances.
Physical and Mental Demands:   Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Frequent standing and walking for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs. visual acuity and normal color perception.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.