Microbiology Lab Assistant Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

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 Health Services Manager with the Microbiology Lab at the Renton Central Lab.

Under the direction of the UW Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics (DIDD) Assistant Director, the Health Services Manager (HSM) oversees and manages the operations of the Microbiology laboratory, including, but not limited to, lab preanalytical and analytical automation, as well as manual and specialized testing in microbiology and rapid and molecular testing. The HSM plans, organizes, and supervises all areas by effectively utilizing employees and state-of-the art equipment to meet established performance and productivity metrics. The HSM ensures maximum operational efficiencies, as well as provides direct on-site analysis of day-to-day operations. This includes adjustment of specimen workflow, test performance, quality, compliance preventive maintenance, safety, continuing education, and student programs for the Microbiology Lab. The HSM performs fiscal activities, including, but not limited to, FTE management, budget development, recommending budgetary goals based on prior performance and known upcoming expenses, and managing division expenditures to maintain the expected budget. The HSM works collaboratively with colleagues both inside and outside of the department, participates in process improvement projects, and leads staff development and engagement.

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Work schedule to be discussed with the hiring manager
• Day shift

What you'll contribute:

Core Technical, Administrative, and Operations (55%)

• Provides technical and administrative management and leadership to the Microbiology Laboratory.
• In conjunction with faculty and the DIDD Assistant Director, sets goals for the laboratory. Participate in division goals and policies and plans strategies to ensure the division can meet future demands. Manages change and fosters innovation and improvement in laboratory functions using technological advances with direct application for laboratory-based diagnoses.
• Consults with and informs the DIDD Assistant Director, Division Head, Central Laboratory Director, and Medical Directors of Laboratory Operations of activities, needs, and problems. Ensures proper and efficient operations and implements strategic initiatives.
• Oversees the development of novel educational tools/programs for training, maintaining technical competency, and QA/QI.
• Oversees the development of optimized laboratory utilization algorithms; collaborates with existing clinical and research units to support ongoing laboratory projects.
• Develops and implements departmental and divisional policies and changes in procedures; consults regularly with the laboratory directors. Ensure all policies and procedures are clear and understood by faculty and staff.
• Evaluates and recommends equipment needs; manages the selection of equipment and supplies. Supports negotiations of contracts and pricing for equipment, standing orders, and service contracts.
• Ensures compliance with all federal and state regulations as well as accrediting requirements that impact laboratory operations.
• Acts as liaison for the laboratory with other healthcare personnel.
• Utilizes strong interpersonal skills to resolve service-related problems with other divisions or departments.
• Directs and reviews quality control standards and programs; monitors proficiency testing, alternative assessment testing, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Manages clinical laboratory rotations for all levels of students and trainees; may prepare and present lecture material to residents, medical laboratory science students, and other medical personnel.
• Collaborates with other Laboratory Division Supervisors/Managers on joint concerns.
• Prepares presentations for staff, students, and professional meetings.
• Assumes additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Faculty, Department Administrators, or Department Chairperson.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant literature and scientific advances to maintain technical and management expertise.
• Maintains working knowledge of the Laboratory Information System (LIS), bioinformatic pipelines, and laboratory workflow software systems including, but not limited to, supervisory QC and QA functions.

Manage Staffing (20%)

• Ensures technical staff remain proficient/competent and maintains high-quality laboratory testing and training. Coordinates continuing education and in-service education for staff.
• Oversees the development of training procedures and checklists to ensure competent technical staff.
• Interviews, hires, orients, and trains new employees to maintain qualified technical staff; maintains documentation of training and required competencies.
• Delegates responsibilities, duties, and tasks to optimize the use of staff time, skills, and expertise without compromising quality of testing.
• Assesses and adjusts laboratory staff, considering workload, staff turnover, and budget; plans staff schedules and rotations; assigns staff to work sections; reviews time records to ensure appropriateness of time used; acts upon vacation and leave requests.
• Reviews and evaluates employee performance; provides fair and immediate feedback on job performance for staff; counsels staff to improve performance as required; recommends disciplinary or remedial action as needed.
• Ensures staff awareness of compliance and follows acceptable laboratory policies.
• Ensures staff know the location of safety information, disaster drill procedures, and MSDS manuals, and assesses information in response to queries or emergency situations. Ensures MSDS information is current and available.

Regulatory and Compliance (15%)

• Ensures all Microbiology laboratories are compliant with regulations and accrediting bodies.
• Leads effective evaluation of departmental practices and process improvement.
• Oversees all benches for quality with tracking, benchmarking, and metrics reports to established standards to include ongoing process improvement initiatives while maintaining and improving quality of testing.
• Ensures technical staff remain proficient/competent and maintains high-quality laboratory testing and training. Coordinates continuing education and in-service education for staff.
• Maintains and reviews quality control standards and programs to meet and exceed CAP and other regulatory agencies' requirements.
• Maintains "inspection ready" performance of all Microbiology areas.

IT Responsibilities (10%)

• Partners with the Analytics and Laboratory Information System team to implement changes and improvements.
• Ensures automation works as intended. Collaborates with vendors to ensure programs are up-to-date and that downstream programs display data correctly.
• Uses the LIS, laboratory notebook, and laboratory pipeline dashboard to ensure consistency in performance from tech-to-tech.
• Ensures that downstream computer systems display the report in a user-friendly format.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field.
• 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.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible clinical technologist experience to include three (3) years in a leadership or supervisory capacity or equivalent.
• Experience with wet bench procedures, instrumentation, quality management/assurance, and CAP proficiency and accreditation guidelines.
• Track record of effective management of teams and staff to meet group goals and deadlines and set priorities.
• Track record of effective Change Management.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in clinical laboratory test/system validations and data management.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory process improvements.

Desired qualifications:

• Master's degree in medical laboratory science or equivalent field applicable to the laboratory division.
• Substantial and comprehensive knowledge and experience in Clinical Microbiology operations.
• Microbiology Manager level experience of 5 or more years. Experience in hospital, academic medical center, or reference laboratory setting.
• Experience with Lean Management, laboratory process improvement, and Six Sigma certification/training.
• Experience in identifying inefficiencies in processes, workflows, and throughput and implementation of process improvements to minimize waste and increase safety.
• Experience implementing laboratory productivity and quality metrics.
• Experience with WASP or Kiestra Lab Automation lines in a high-volume lab setting.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in clinical laboratory test/system validation and data management.

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 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

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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 dso@uw.edu.

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.