Clinical Laboratory Technician 1, Renton Central Lab: Microbiology (Intermittent)

University of Washington Medical Center; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time

Public transit benefit

Tuition exemption program

Healthcare plan options

Fitness and wellness classes

Job summary

University of Washington Medical Center in Renton, WA seeks a Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) 1 for the Microbiology Team at the Renton Central Laboratory. You will accession specimens, process requests, and support daily lab operations across shifts.

The role requires basic lab experience or ASCP-approved training, with responsibilities ranging from specimen handling to equipment troubleshooting and professional communication with healthcare staff.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and one year of chemical, clinical, or public health lab experience.
• Completion of an ASCP-approved Laboratory Assistant program may substitute for minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Accession test requests, track specimens, and look up results in the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Batch and un-batch specimens from other divisions and transport them appropriately.
• Operate the WASP to process approved specimens, perform daily and monthly maintenance and troubleshoot errors.
• Process bacterial and fungal cultures for all specimen types.
• Prepare and stain direct smears (Gram stains, KOH preps, Trichromes, malaria preps).
• Answer phone calls and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
• Interact with health care providers and respond professionally to specimen inquiries.
• Trouble shoot specimen issues and enter cases in hc1.
• Follow procedures and locate information in Media Lab.
• Collect and clean glassware, dispose of biological waste, and unpack supplies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team communication

Education

High school diploma

ASCP-approved Lab Assistant program

Tools

Lab equipment knowledge

Job description

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 Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) 1 with the Microbiology Team at the Renton Central Laboratory.

CLT 1s are the critical first line in the Microbiology lab. In this role, you will accession and process all the specimens, answer phone calls, keep track of pending monitors, and review orders in the Laboratory Information System and Electronic Health Record.

Work schedule:

• Intermittent (as needed)
• Variable shifts between days and evenings
• Work schedule to be discussed with the hiring manager
• Recruiting for multiple positions

What you’ll contribute:

• Accession test requests, track specimens, and look up results in the Laboratory Information System.
• Batch and un-batch specimens from other divisions and transport them appropriately.
• Operate the WASP to process approved specimens, perform daily and monthly maintenance and troubleshoot errors.
• Process bacterial and fungal cultures for all specimen types.
• Prepare and stain direct smears, including but not limited to, Gram stains, KOH preps, Trichromes, malaria preps.
• Answer phone calls and direct questions to appropriate personnel.
• Interact with health care providers and respond to questions concerning specimens in a professional manner.
• Trouble shoot specimens issues and enter cases in hc1.
• Follow procedures and know where to find information in Media Lab.
• Collect and clean glassware, collect, and dispose of biological waste, and unpack supplies and reagents.
• Must have working knowledge of the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, such as biological safety cabinet, centrifuge, cytocentrifuge, stomacher, fume hood, incubators, dry baths, refrigerators and freezers.
• Performs setup for bacterial susceptibility testing, including disk diffusion, gradient strips, and microtiter panels.
• Communicate with co-workers so that the specimen processing flows smoothly over breaks and between shifts.
• Be helpful, courteous, and respectful with co-workers.
• Keep the work area clean, organized and stocked.

What you’ll need:

• High school graduation or equivalent AND one (1) year of chemical, clinical, or public health laboratory experience.

OR

• Completion of a laboratory assistant course approved by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

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 (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 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:

$26.88 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$38.46 hourly

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

0.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech

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 [e-mail].

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.