Job Description

This recruitment offers a $3,000 - $4,000 sign-on bonus available for eligible new employees joining the UW Medicine team.

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 Trainee/1 with the Coagulation & Hematology Division at the University of Washington Medical Center: Montlake.

Our evening shift crew handles a very diverse population, including oncology patients from the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, transplant patients, patients who need complicated cardiac care, and patients who need mechanical circulatory services. We see interesting results with these patients in both coagulation and in hematology. We also receive samples from multiple community clinics, so we see normal patient samples as well. Additionally, we conduct many body fluid cell counts and differentials.

In partnership with the University of Washington, we train MLS students during their clinical rotations as well as residents who will eventually run their own labs. Not only do we enjoy training others, but we also engage in continuing education opportunities to maintain our MLS certifications through MediaLab, MedTraining Services, and DLMP Grand Rounds and Research Rounds.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday – Friday with rotating weekends
• Evening shift

What you’ll contribute:

Coagulation General Duties:

On the General Bench

• Perform Coagulation testing such as PT, PTT, Thrombin Time, Fibrinogen, Ddimer assays and mixing studies when ordered on the STAR Max.
• Perform heparin contamination checks and removal protocols in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform Liquid anti-Xa testing for UF Heparin, LMW Heparin, Rivaroxaban Level, Apixaban Level, Chromogenic factor X, DTI and Dabigatran levels, Factor VIII and Factor IX levels when ordered on the STAR Max.
• Perform Platelet Function Screen assays on the PFA-100.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on all Coagulation General Bench procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly and monthly on Coagulation General Bench instruments in accordance with SOPs.

On the OR Bench - If Trained

• Perform Thromboelastograph testing using TEG 6S instruments.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on TEG 6S instruments running the Quality Control Material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform Maintenance Procedures as needed in accordance with SOPs.

On the Special Coagulation Bench – If Trained

• Perform Heparin Induced Platelet Antibody testing, Plasma Hemoglobin testing, and other special or research assays as trained using the BioTek Eon Plate Reader in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform Platelet Aggregation studies on the ChronoLog and Whole Blood LumiAggregometer.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on all Special Coagulation Bench procedures, requiring the running of Quality Control material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly and monthly on special Coagulation bench instruments in accordance with SOPs.

In General

• Process and store Coagulation samples for various Coagulation Assays and various Research Testing projects (may include precipitations, multiple centrifugations, aliquoting plasma into vials and placing in appropriate freezers or refrigerators).
• Enter patient and Quality Control data into the LIS. Notify Reference Lab Services to fax results as needed and follow SOPs to fax results to outside locations when RLS is not available.
• Assist with training and teaching MLS program students and new employees.
• 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 and CQI.
• Be familiar with and confidently use the Coagulation Lab procedure manuals, including those in Media Lab.
• MLSs may be asked to perform other more specialized Coagulation testing and test development as needed and in accordance with training.
• Perform testing on proficiency testing materials when asked by the Coagulation MLS Lead or by the MLS 2 in accordance with departmental SOPs.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and know when to call one of the groups that support the Coagulation lab (i.e., LabMed IT, Stago Support Hotline).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hematology General Duties:

• Perform Hematological analysis using Sysmex XN instruments.
• Perform Hematological analysis such as differentials and smear scans using Cellavision and microscopes.
• Use SP-50s for slide making and staining or manually make and stain the slide. Use Cytospin to make body fluid slides.
• Use Caresphere middleware to review Hematological results and conduct other checks prior to validation and submission of those results to the LIS.
• Perform Quantitative and Qualitative analysis body fluid cells using microscopes and counting chambers.
• Be familiar with and use the Hematology Lab procedure manuals, including those in Media Lab.
• Perform ESRs using the Excyte 20.
• MLSs who are specially trained and licensed may be asked to perform other more specialized Hematology testing (i.e., assist with the acquisition and processing of Bone Marrow samples) and test development as needed.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly and monthly on Hematology instruments in accordance with SOPs.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on all procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform testing on proficiency testing materials when asked by the Hematology MLS Lead or by one of the MLS2s in accordance with departmental SOPs.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues, knowing when to call one of the groups that supports the Hematology lab (i.e., LabMed IT, Sysmex’s TAC).
• Enter patient and Quality Control data into the LIS. Notify Reference Lab Services to fax results as needed and follow SOPs to fax results to outside locations when RLS is not available.
• Assist with training and teaching MLS program students and new employees.
• 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 and CQI.
• Process bone marrow aspirate and biopsy samples, preparing them for transport to SCCA.
• Distribute bone marrow aspirate and biopsy samples to SCCA and other locations for testing, further processing, and evaluation.
• 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 MLS or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire.

Requirements for an MLS 1:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND
• Current MLS 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:

• One (1) year experience working in a lab performing Coagulation and/or Hematology testing.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

What we offer:

• $3,000 - $4,000 sign-on bonus available for eligible new employees joining the UW Medicine team.
• Relocation incentive for eligible new employees.
• 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 (DLMP) 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):

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. 

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

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.