Job Description

Who we’re looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Program Operations Specialist with the Virology Team at the Renton Central Lab.

The Program Operations Specialist is an administrative and operational role within the newly integrated Division of Infectious Diseases Diagnostics (DIDD) that unites Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, and Virology. This role oversees the non-scientific operations that keep complex clinical and research laboratories running, including facilities, procurement, compliance, financial coordination, and staff support.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help build and operationalize an integrated diagnostic organization, working closely with faculty and teams to support high-impact patient care and infectious disease research across UW Medicine.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday – Friday
• Day shift

What you’ll contribute:

Operations:

Oversee services supporting the Laboratory operations, including:

• Oversee day-to-day facility and building maintenance support; act as primary liaison between vendors and lab personnel.
• Collect and analyze data to monitor and optimize laboratory space and equipment utilization.
• Develop, implement, and manage procedures for the lab's temperature monitoring systems. Serve as the primary point of contact for communication between the system vendor technical support and laboratory personnel.
• Maintain record retention and shredding services in compliance with institutional policies.
• Coordinate IT and computer support with internal and external partners, including support for servers, desktops, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), and network infrastructure.
• Coordinate student and trainee rotations within the laboratories, including scheduling and communication with residents and fellows.
• Manage recruitment, screening, and hiring for the Work Study student assistant program.

Procurement:

• Collaborate with DIDD administration and laboratory personnel to oversee acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies to capture bulk discounts, preferred vendors and suppliers, and standardize equipment purchases, including meeting and negotiating with sales representatives to address Laboratory needs. Manage review and strategic planning for equipment upgrades and replacement.

Regulatory Affairs & Compliance:

• Monitor Laboratory projects to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, state, and local policies and regulations.
• Assist the laboratory’s research scientists in collaboration with DIDD administration to address compliance issues in accordance with laboratory audits (CAP, outside contracts, and/or FDA) and accreditation.
• Oversee Quality Assurance activities of clinical research projects within the laboratory including document control process and procedures.

Financial:

• In consultation with DIDD administration, approve operational and capital expenditures, analyze financial data, prepare statistical and budget reports, and make recommendations and/or take appropriate corrective action.

Perform Other Duties and Projects as Assigned

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences or related field.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of relevant experience, which includes hands-on laboratory bench work with management of personnel.

Desired qualifications:

• Strong project management experience
• Experience in academic research and/or medicine.
• Holding lead roles in the laboratory environment.
• Understanding laboratory operations.
• Experience in research, grant and contract processes, regulatory policies and submissions and fiscal management of grant budgets.
• Knowledge of how the different collaborating UW departments (OSP, IRB, Lab Medicine, UWMC) function.

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 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:

$61,368.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$92,064.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

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 committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

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.