MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST- PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE - TRANSFUSION MEDICINE

Cook County•Chicago, IL

19h•$36 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist works under appropriate supervision and exercises independent judgment and technical expertise while performing high-complexity testing in laboratory areas such as Point of Care Testing, Chemistry, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Hematology, and Immunology. The position provides technical guidance, training, and direction to coworkers and support staff; assists with developing and implementing methods, procedures, and approaches; and assumes responsibility for testing and regulatory compliance in one or more areas. The scientist helps manage quality controls, prepare procedures and manuals, and perform safety and administrative tasks, subject to prior administrative approval where applicable. The role performs complex laboratory procedures, supports oversight and coordination of laboratory staff, demonstrates specialized tasks, and explains related technical principles. It works with supervisors to establish proficiency standards and meet regulatory requirements, helps coordinate timely services, keeps colleagues informed of developments in the field, and may support strategic planning. The position may recommend equipment purchases, assist with installation and optimization of analyzers, coordinate equipment servicing, maintain inventories, assess laboratory programs and methods, and contribute to budget, cost analysis, blood drawing, and other administrative work. It also takes primary responsibility for waste management and safety procedures in one or more areas. The position is based at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine—Transfusion Medicine department. The listed shift is 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, with rotating shifts and alternating weekends required. The hourly pay range is $36.121–$43.507, with placement based on documented experience at application. The work takes place in a healthcare environment and requires compliance with hospital and department safety policies, including personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and engineering and work-practice controls. Physical demands include very good vision, excellent dexterity, full mental capacity, climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, prolonged standing, operating laboratory equipment, and moving moderate to heavy weights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field from an accredited college or university; official transcripts must be provided at interview.
Must qualify as a Medical Technologist under the Illinois Clinical Laboratories Code and CLIA; proof must be provided at interview.
National certification from ASCP, AMT, or ABB as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or General Supervisor (GS); proof must be provided at interview.
One year of post-certification experience in any two laboratory sections.
Ability to work efficiently using Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including alternating weekends.
Proficiency in performing, analyzing, and verifying specialized, highly complex laboratory tests and procedures.
Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodology and its application to process improvement.
Knowledge of applicable governmental and other clinical laboratory regulatory requirements, and ability to assist with CLIA and other inspections.
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and other computer systems.
Ability to collaborate with others to plan, develop, and carry out scientific programs and build effective working relationships; strong customer service, interpersonal, and empathy skills.
Ability to make independent decisions within broad guidelines, exercise sound judgment, know when to escalate difficult problems, work as part of a team, and provide leadership as needed.
Ability to apply quality assurance and control without supervision.
Ability to assist with blood drawing and related duties where applicable and to work in more than one laboratory section or area.
Skill in managing patient and laboratory data, records, and information with LIS or other computer technology, and ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
Very good vision, excellent dexterity, and full mental capacity; ability to climb, lift, pull, push, stand for prolonged periods, operate laboratory equipment, and move moderate to heavy weight.
Must meet all required qualifications at the time of application filing.
Foreign degrees, except those awarded in U.S. territories or Canada, must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to NACES or AICE; original credentialing documents must be presented at interview.
Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory professional and employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure and certifications, and successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

Perform high-complexity laboratory procedures and testing in laboratory sections, including applicable work in Point of Care Testing, Chemistry, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Hematology, and Immunology.
Provide technical guidance, training, and direction to coworkers, laboratory technicians, and support staff.
Coordinate and support oversight of laboratory procedures and staff, and demonstrate specialized tasks and explain their technical principles.
Assist with developing and implementing laboratory methods, approaches, procedures, written materials, and manuals.
Consult with supervisors to establish technical proficiency criteria and ensure compliance with management directives, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
Help plan, organize, and coordinate staff work to support timely and accurate service delivery.
Keep abreast of developments in the field and communicate relevant information to staff, managers, and physicians.
Recommend equipment purchases and assist with installation and optimization of analyzers and other equipment; work with vendors on repair and calibration as needed.
Implement and manage quality control systems, including new QC setup, review, and corrective action for QC failures.
Monitor inventory adequacy and arrange replenishment as necessary.
Evaluate laboratory programs and methods, make recommendations, and review progress toward unit goals and objectives.
Assume primary responsibility for waste management and safety procedures in one or more areas.
Participate in and assist with blood drawing, budget and laboratory cost analysis, and other administrative tasks.
Maintain patient and laboratory data, records, and information using laboratory information systems or other computer technology while preserving confidentiality.
Perform other duties as assigned.