
Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics (DIDD)
Seattle, WAFull-time$38.46–56.73/hrSeen 1w agoSeen in employer's feed 1 day ago
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At a glance
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Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
The University of Washington’s Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 for its Renton Central Lab. The role performs clinical virology testing and supports result interpretation, instrument operation, quality assurance, procedure troubleshooting, and staff training. The position is full-time, Tuesday through Saturday on the evening shift, with rotating holidays. Candidates must meet the applicable trainee or MLS 1 education, certification, and experience pathway.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
No Telework
Seattle, WA
Full time
REQ-0000138141
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 Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the UW Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics (DIDD) Team at the Renton Central Lab.
The DIDD is one of nine divisions comprising the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Washington. The UW Virology Clinical Laboratories perform diagnostic testing for a full range of human pathogens including Herpes group, HIV, hepatitis, respiratory, and enteric viruses. The Division provides the highest quality patient care and serves as a model of excellence for clinical laboratories across the nation.
MLS professionals generate critical diagnostic results that guide clinical decisions, often influencing treatment in real time - even though the work happens behind the scenes. These roles involve hands-on work with cutting-edge instruments, molecular diagnostics, automation, and evolving methodologies, keeping the work intellectually engaging and technically challenging. Every day brings new challenges - troubleshooting assays, interpreting complex results, and adapting to new tests or technologies—making these roles dynamic and professionally rewarding
Work schedule:
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100% FTE
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Tuesday through Saturday with rotating holidays
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Evening shift
What you’ll contribute:
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Perform clinical virology diagnostic laboratory tests; record, evaluate and interpret test results; contact appropriate personnel for tests with unusual or critical findings.
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Assist in developing, following procedures and/or troubleshooting procedures and problems that may or may not include actual wet lab involvement, but requires a comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing gained from a foundation of medical laboratory science training and experience performing moderate to high complexity testing.
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Calibrate, operate, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance to laboratory instruments and related equipment.
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Assure that quality control requirements are met to validate test results; record data and maintain continual quality assurance program; utilize electronic quality control system.
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Proficiency required in computer systems and programs such as Microsoft Word & Excel.
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Proficient in laboratory information systems, discipline-specific middleware, as well as all institution-based computer systems for test result entry and/or data acquisition.
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Assist in instruction and training of new employees, post-doctoral fellows, residents, and students.
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Act as a resource to other lab personnel including Clinical Laboratory Technicians and Specimen Processing Technicians.
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Assist in the design, development and evaluation of new procedures/processes.
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Prepare and verify the quality of reagents, standards, and control samples.
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Continuing education: Keep ASCP or other certification up to date per guidelines of the National Organization.
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Perform related duties as required.
What you’ll need:
Requirements for an MLS Trainee :
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Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience AND
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Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Requirements for an MLS 1 :
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Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience AND
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Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division AND
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One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement.
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:
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Relocation incentive for eligible new employees.
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Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
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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.
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Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
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Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
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Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
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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 (http://dlmp.uw.edu/) 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 (https://www.uwmedicine.org/jobs) . Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$38.46 hourly
Pay Range Maximum:
$56.73 hourly
Other Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
Evening Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech
ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER
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 includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
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 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .
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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .
Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box.
If you are a current UW employee:
You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub.
Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions?
Please visit our Academic Jobs (https://ap.washington.edu/ahr/academic-jobs/) site.
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Learn more on our Student Employment (https://hr.uw.edu/studentemployment/finding-student-employment/) site.
There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits (https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/) that could be available to you as a UW employee.
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University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
How this job compares
Set against the 1,168 open Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 4, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$38.46–56.73/hr
- Washington median$38–60/hr27 hourly ranges
- US median$30–47/hr512 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $47.60/hr, is 4% below the Washington median midpoint ($50/hr) — in the lowest quarter of Medical Laboratory Scientist hourly ranges in Washington.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 30 open Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Washington and 1,168 across the US. None of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Washington
- University of Washington (this employer)10 open
- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health9 open
- Seattle Children's5 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience; Medical Laboratory Scientist postings that state a minimum ask for 2 years at the median (405 postings).
- Education
- 540 of the 1,168 open Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs (46%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 4, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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