Medical Laboratory Scientist

$5,000 Sign-on Bonus for External Candidates

Hours are Monday – Friday 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

The Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (MLS/MT) performs all phases of laboratory testing procedures, encompassing pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases, ranging from waived to moderate and high-complexity testing to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.  This role requires expertise and attention to detail to ensure accurate and reliable results, contributing to the overall quality of patient care. MLS/MT must possess strong technical proficiency, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of laboratory practices. Additionally, the MLS/MT possesses a strong scientific knowledge base to evaluate quality control, instrument performance, and result data. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Performs laboratory tests and procedures in a timely and accurate manner
• Evaluates laboratory results meticulously, promptly addressing any issues or discrepancies that may arise
• Maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and regular maintenance to uphold accuracy and reliability
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory equipment, testing techniques, and medical terminology, enabling effective communication with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results
• Monitors laboratory supplies, proactively reporting low inventory levels to senior technicians or management as necessary
• Actively participates in quality assurance and quality control activities, including proficiency testing and meticulous instrument maintenance
• Provides training and guidance to new laboratory staff or students, imparting knowledge on laboratory techniques, procedures, and equipment
• Maintains accurate records of laboratory procedures and results, upholding meticulous documentation standards
• Upholds specimen integrity throughout the testing process, prioritizing accuracy and reliability of results
• Demonstrates effective documentation and control of reagents, ensuring proper tracking and utilization
• Facilitates smooth shift handoffs or closure by effectively communicating any significant information to staff or leadership
• Fosters an organized and clean work environment, promoting efficiency and compliance with safety standards
• Utilizes the Laboratory Information System efficiently, maximizing its capabilities for streamlined workflow
• Effectively utilizes provided technologies for communication purposes, such as email, messaging applications, and timecard systems
• Assists laboratory leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of new techniques, methods, or procedures, contributing to continuous improvement
• Establishes and maintains exceptional working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public, fostering a positive and collaborative environment
• Exhibits the ability to work independently while maintaining clear and effective communication with colleagues

Duties integrated into all job functions:

• All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
• Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions:
  • Get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme
  • Perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others
  • Respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
• Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the core values of the organization
• Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
• Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
• Completes all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and the organization’s policies
• Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by the organization’s policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
• Has regular and predictable attendance

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution
• Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by a nationally recognized agency (e.g., ASCP, AMT, AAB)

Preferred Qualification:

• 1+ years of experience as a Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Possess an extensive knowledge base encompassing various aspects of laboratory testing procedures, methodologies, and best practices
• Deep understanding of medical terminology and its application within laboratory settings
• Exhibit proficiency in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation while adhering to the necessary maintenance protocols
• Well-versed in quality control principles and possess the ability to implement these practices effectively 
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and demonstrate competence in utilizing such systems
• Knowledge encompasses relevant scientific principles, including biology, chemistry, microbiology, and immunology, as applied to laboratory testing
• Possess a range of technical skills essential for performing laboratory tests and procedures accurately and efficiently
• Expertise extends to analytical and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to evaluate laboratory results and troubleshoot any issues or discrepancies that may arise
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision, excelling in specimen handling, testing, and result reporting
• Organizational skills that enable them to maintain an orderly and efficient work environment, effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficient computer skills, including data entry and retrieval using laboratory information systems and other software applications
• Effective communication skills allow them to interact professionally and clearly with medical staff, colleagues, and patients
• Possess the ability to train and mentor new laboratory staff or students, providing guidance on laboratory techniques and procedures
• Solid documentation skills ensuring accurate record-keeping of laboratory procedures, results, and quality control measures
• Possess the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-based environment, maintaining high levels of productivity and cooperation
• Adaptability is a key strength, allowing them to handle changing priorities, demands, and advancements in laboratory science and technology
• Exhibit exceptional time management skills, effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in the fast-paced laboratory setting
• Committed to quality assurance and quality control principles ensures accurate and reliable laboratory testing
• Possess solid problem-solving abilities, enabling them to identify and address issues related to laboratory processes, equipment, or results
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards when handling patient information and executing laboratory operations
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, establishing and nurturing positive relationships with patients, medical staff, and colleagues
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Washington Residents Only: The hourly range for this role is $23.22 to $45.43 per hour. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.   

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.