Entry Level Life Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Medical Lab Scientist to join our team!

We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in-it's something we live every day, for life's journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department

Laboratory Services Work for an ASCP-designated Leading Laboratory, recognized for excellence in quality outcomes, professional development, trusted leadership, and laboratory visibility.

Medical Laboratory Scientist Career Ladder

We offer a structured career ladder for Medical Laboratory Scientists with competitive pay at each level. Successful candidates will be hired to the level that appropriately matches their experience.

MLS I: Level I is intended for candidates with approximately less than 1 year (healthcare setting preferred). This role performs routine laboratory testing, assists with quality control and basic equipment maintenance, maintains documentation, recognizes and communicates any issues or unexpected results, and contributes to quality patient care outcomes by providing timely and precise laboratory data. Pay Range: $29.98 - $42.45/hour

MLS II: Level II is intended for candidates with at least 1-3 years of MLS experience in a healthcare setting. In addition to the level I essential functions, elevated duties may include serving as a resource to less experienced staff, assisting with new hire training and completing projects. Pay Range: $31.92 - $47.88/hour

MLS III: Level III is intended for candidates with 4-6 years of MLS II experience or higher. In addition to the level I and II essential functions, elevated duties include assisting with the creation and updating of department standard operating procedures (SOPs), staff scheduling or process improvement activities. Pay Range: $35.88 - $53.83/hour

Job Summary
Performs a wide range of laboratory testing with moderate to minimal supervision, ensuring accuracy, precision, and compliance with established procedures and quality standards. Evaluates and validates test results, performs required quality control, and troubleshoots instrumentation or assay issues as needed. Maintains thorough documentation of all testing processes and outcomes. Responsible for identifying and resolving problems with supervisors, Administrative Director and Department Chair when appropriate. Elevated duties may include serving as a resource to less experienced staff, assisting with new hire training and completing a minimum number of projects per year as designated by department supervisor. Addresses performance or behavioral concerns constructively and in a timely manner. Contributes to high-quality patient care through timely and dependable laboratory results.
Essential Functions:

• Performs required competencies, proficiency testing, quality control, maintenance, testing, and authenticates all results per departmental procedures and regulatory requirements. Trains for new technology or new testing as new technology or testing is released. (25%)
• Provides troubleshooting assistance and support to technical staff and with the vendors to ensure uptime and testing turnaround times with equipment and for testing procedures. (25%)
• Analyzes pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical quality control and specimen requirements to ensure accurate results. (20%)
• Advises and consults with the appropriate supervisor regarding departmental projects, troubleshooting, investigations, and quality control issues. (15%)
• Assists in teaching, training, staff development, and competencies for the laboratory and the MLS program. (15%)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Required

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years Experience as an entry level MLS in a healthcare setting Required

Licenses:

• MLSASCP-Medical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent - ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Required

Shift:

• Day-shift Microbiology position (5x8 schedule) with rotating weekends and holidays. Occasional night-shift coverage required with advance notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiar with regulatory compliance in QC and competency requirements.
• Good communication and customer relation skills to ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
• Ability to perpetuate teamwork
• Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues

Shift

Days (United States of America)

Work Type

Regular

Salary

$31.92 - $47.88 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future - with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development - while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you're joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
• Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
• Tuition reimbursement & assistance
• Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.