Medical Laboratory Scientist 2 - Retrovirology

Req#: 207426

Department: LABORATORY MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY

Job Location: Harborview Medical Center

Posting Date: 08/08/2022 

Closing Info: Open Until Filled 

Salary: $5,478 - $8,081 per month 

Union Position: Yes

Shift: First Shift 

This recruitment offers a $4000 Recruitment Incentive to eligible new employees joining UW Medicine.

A higher degree of healthcare. 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 1800 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 - Virology Division has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time day shift, MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST 2 in the Retrovirology Laboratory. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under general direction, perform, monitor and/or support clinical retrovirus diagnostic laboratory tests such as: enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), chemiluminescent immunoassays (CMIAs), lateral flow immunoassays and nucleic acid amplification assays (PCRs);
• Record, evaluate and interpret test results; contact appropriate personnel for tests with unusual or critical findings;
• Optimize procedures and troubleshoot problems that require a comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing of moderate to high complexity testing such as HIV-1 and 2 Combo assays, HIV-1 and 2 Geenius assays, and HIV nucleic acid PCRs.
• Perform and troubleshoot new assay development and validate new assays;
• Prepare validation plan and summary report documents;
• Perform viable PBMC  processing, separation, freezing and thawing;
• Train new employees, guest technicians, post-doctoral fellows, and residents in experimental procedures and assays, laboratory safety and database maintenance;
• Assist in preparing for annual external audits for laboratory certifications (DAIDS and CAP);
• Assure that quality control requirements are met to validate test results; record data and maintain continual quality assurance program; utilize electronic quality control system.
• Utilize laboratory information system, as well as division-based computer systems (HAWS and LDMS) for test result entry and/or data acquisition;
• Act as a designated resource/trainer for other lab personnel including Medical Laboratory Scientist trainees and Medical Laboratory Scientist 1s, Clinical Laboratory Technicians;
• Continuing education: keep ASCP or other certification up to date per guidelines of National Organization;
• Perform related duties as required

REQUIREMENTS:

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
Two years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 or equivalent experience.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience validating FDA-approved and Laboratory-Developed assays
• Experience cost-accounting laboratory assays
• Experience with HIV testing assays: enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), chemiluminescent immunoassays (CMIAs), lateral flow immunoassays and nucleic acid amplification assays (PCRs)
• Experience using LDMS, HAWS and Excel programs

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• It may be necessary to work in other departmental locations in order to meet patient service requirements, especially at Harborview Medical Center. In addition, less frequent work effort will be required at other UW School of Medicine locations (e.g., South Lake Union) and Seattle-area healthcare institutions.
• Will be considered essential staff and as such will be required to report to work when scheduled despite inclement weather.
• Must be able to meet with all shifts on a regular basis. 

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.

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.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

The University of Washington is 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 dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.2 requires employees of higher education and healthcare institutions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.