Medical Laboratory Scientist – Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Microbiology

Frontier Perspectives; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Additional employee benefits

Job summary

Seattle Children’s in Seattle, WA is seeking an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to join its Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Microbiology team. The MLS will perform moderate- to high-complexity diagnostic testing, including culture-based identification and molecular diagnostics.

The role includes specimen processing, result verification, quality control, instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and adherence to CAP, CLIA, and other regulatory standards to support patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or equivalent.
• Eligible for certification through ASCP, NCA, AMT or state license within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform moderate- to high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.
• Perform culture-based microbiological testing and organism identification.
• Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Perform PCR and other molecular diagnostic procedures.
• Perform Sanger sequencing for complex infectious organisms.
• Process clinical specimens and verify laboratory results.
• Conduct quality control procedures and maintain laboratory standards.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
• Provide cross-coverage between clinical and molecular microbiology sections.
• Follow CAP, CLIA, and applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Deliver accurate and timely laboratory results to support patient care.

Skills

Clinical microbiology

Molecular diagnostics

PCR techniques

Sanger sequencing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or equivalent

Tools

Sanger sequencing

PCR

Job description

Medical Laboratory Scientist – Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Microbiology

Seattle Children’s

Location Seattle, Washington, USA

Country United States

Field Allied Health

Salary / Stipend $38.81 – $58.21 per hour

Job Overview

Seattle Children’s is seeking an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to join its Clinical and Molecular Microbiology team in Seattle, Washington.

The successful candidate will perform moderate- to high-complexity diagnostic testing across clinical and molecular microbiology. The role involves culture-based organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular diagnostics, and Sanger sequencing for complex bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist will also contribute to daily laboratory operations, including specimen processing, result verification, quality control, instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and compliance with CAP, CLIA, and other applicable regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform moderate- to high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.
• Perform culture-based microbiological testing and organism identification.
• Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Perform PCR and other molecular diagnostic procedures.
• Perform Sanger sequencing for complex infectious organisms.
• Process clinical specimens and verify laboratory results.
• Conduct quality control procedures and maintain laboratory standards.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
• Provide cross-coverage between clinical and molecular microbiology sections.
• Follow CAP, CLIA, and applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Deliver accurate and timely laboratory results to support patient care.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Degree must be from an accredited institution or an equivalent recognized qualification.

Required Certification

Candidates must be eligible for certification through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies (NCHCA).

Commonly accepted certifications include:

• ASCP
• NCA
• AMT
• Applicable state certification

Candidates must obtain the required certification within six months of hire.

For clinical laboratory personnel performing moderate- or high-complexity testing, the required diploma or academic transcript must be maintained in the employee’s Human Resources records in accordance with applicable CAP and CMS requirements.

Internationally educated candidates must provide a documented educational equivalency evaluation from a nationally recognized credential evaluation agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in Clinical Microbiology.
• Strong hands‑on experience in classical microbiology, including:
  • Culture-based diagnostics
  • Organism identification
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience in molecular microbiology, including:
  • PCR
  • Molecular diagnostic techniques
  • Sanger sequencing

$38.81 – $58.21 per hour

The stated compensation range is based on full‑time employment of approximately 2,080 hours per calendar year. Actual offers may vary depending on factors such as skills, experience, expertise, and internal equity.

The salary range applies specifically to positions located in Seattle. Compensation for positions outside Seattle may differ.

Seattle Children’s offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Additional employee benefits

About Seattle Children’s

Seattle Children’s is a mission‑driven pediatric academic medical center dedicated to improving the health and well‑being of children.

The organization provides specialized pediatric and adolescent care while advancing medical research, developing new treatments, and serving children and families across Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho.

Seattle Children’s emphasizes Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity, and Innovation and is committed to providing high‑quality patient care while advancing pediatric medicine and research.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Seattle Children’s is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and

Job ID

Job ID: R264257
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Position: Medical Laboratory Scientist – Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Microbiology