What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technician position at UPMC?
This full‑time evening shift works 2:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays and no travel. As a generalist, you’ll handle specimen processing, automated testing, and STAT micro, ensuring accurate results and strong collaboration with clinical teams. Candidates must qualify for MLT, Senior MLT, MLS, or Senior MLS levels; ASCP certification is preferred and must be obtained within one year of hire. Experienced MLS candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Sign‑On Bonus:
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS): $15,000 with a two‑year commitment
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): $10,000 with a two‑year commitment
Career Ladder and Pay Rates:
UPMC offers a robust Laboratory Career Ladder, placing candidates at the correct level based on education and experience. Current 2026 minimum hourly rates include:
- Medical Laboratory Technician: $21.48
- Medical Laboratory Scientist: $26.97
Senior levels are compensated above these minimums based on experience and education.
Our department is known for developing true generalists and successfully training non‑traditional staff, supported by detailed training logs, follow‑up competencies, and weekly check‑ins. We provide flexible scheduling and have recently upgraded hematology with Beckman DxH900 analyzers while transitioning our laboratory information system to Epic.
Apply now to join a team committed to excellence, innovation, and respect for every patient and colleague!
Responsibilities:
- Interact with all laboratory customers courteously and professionally; respond to telephone inquiries in a timely manner. Practices pleasant communications both internally and externally.
- Adhere to established laboratory and hospital policies in areas of procedures, methods, quality control, quality assurance, safety, compliance, and personnel policies. Follow established procedures for the collection (including phlebotomy, as required) and processing of specimens for analysis including the appropriateness and stability of the sample. Perform qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures according to established protocols with precision and accuracy in a timely and efficient manner.
- Recognize critical, abnormal, and unacceptable test results and follow-up according to established protocols. Recognize factors that affect measurements and results and initiate the necessary corrective action according to established protocols. Identify problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and take action as outlined in predetermined protocols.
- Operate and maintain equipment within the scope of training utilizing defined schedules and written instructions to perform quality control checks, preventive maintenance, and calibration. Perform minor repairs. Use reagents and supplies cost-effectively; monitor and maintain an appropriate supply inventory.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments, their interrelationships and physiological conditions affecting test results.
- Conduct, direct, or assist with test development and methodology/equipment evaluation, selection, and implementation.
- Performs High Complexity Testing (as defined by PA DOH) without direct supervision.
- Assume responsibility for first-line supervision of the section/department temporarily as delegated.
- Train and orient new employees, students and residents, as applicable and as assigned.
- Acts as a consultative resource for technical issues.