Microbiology MLS Trainee – Hands-On Lab Growth

FHLB Des Moines; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time and holidays

Transit pass

Tuition exemption

Job summary

UW Medicine’s Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Renton, WA invites applicants for MLS Trainee/MLS1 to join the Microbiology team. The role develops through state-of-the-art diagnostics, with exposure to Gram stains, PCR, EIA, disk diffusion, and mass spectrometry across a diverse test menu.

You will work independently, manage workloads, and participate in quality control, education, and system training while advancing toward certification.

Qualifications

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent education/experience.
• ASCP eligibility to take MLS/certification within 18 months of hire.
• MLS Trainee requires equivalent education/experience and potential termination if certification not attained within 18 months.
• MLS1 requires accredited degree and current ASCP certification or equivalent, plus one year of MLS Trainee experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, evaluates, and reports smears including Gram, KOH, Pneumocystis DFA, Auramine-O, Kinyoun, Wright/Giemsa.
• Performs tests to identify bacteria, yeast, mold, and parasites; conducts susceptibility tests per protocols.
• Performs serological procedures including PCR, EIA, and latex agglutinations.
• Rotates and maintains competency across trained sections; operates lab equipment and performs basic maintenance.
• Monitors quality controls and validates results; communicates with health care providers professionally.
• Executes evaluation of new tests/equipment and assists with research projects.
• Instructs new employees and students; participates in continuing education.

Skills

Microbiology testing

PCR

EIA

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science

ASCP certification eligibility within 18 months

One year MLS trainee experience

Tools

Verigene

BioFire

Gene Xpert

Mass spectrometry

Job description

UW Medicine’s Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Renton, WA invites applicants for MLS Trainee/MLS1 to join the Microbiology team. The role develops through state-of-the-art diagnostics, with exposure to Gram stains, PCR, EIA, disk diffusion, and mass spectrometry across a diverse test menu.

You will work independently, manage workloads, and participate in quality control, education, and system training while advancing toward certification.