Medical Laboratory Scientist-Generalist Full Time Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Lake Forest, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory test procedures and conveys results accurately and promptly to physicians or their designees to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The role adheres to Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. The schedule is 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with an every-third-weekend rotation.

The position carries out pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows for the assigned laboratory section. Work includes verifying orders and specimens, collecting and processing specimens, performing tests, maintaining instruments and test-system integrity, completing quality control, reviewing and reporting results, troubleshooting issues, retaining specimens and records, and supporting accurate billing. The Medical Laboratory Scientist follows established standard operating procedures, meets departmental proficiency and competency standards, participates in training and test development activities, maintains safety and confidentiality, and provides service to patients, visitors, and colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or an Allied Health field qualifying the applicant to take the ASCP or equivalent certification examination.
• General MLS or MT (ASCP) certification or eligibility, or Categorical BB, C, H, or M (ASCP) certification or eligibility.
• If hired after January 19, 2025, ASCP certification or equivalent certification is required within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytic workflow, including verifying orders and non-patient information, resolving ambiguous orders, handling add-on tests, and addressing compliance concerns.
• Collect, receive, evaluate, label-check, prioritize, process, aliquot, and appropriately document specimens; take corrective action when specimens are unacceptable.
• Perform analytical testing for the assigned laboratory section according to written protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain instruments and test-system integrity through preventive maintenance, reagent and supply checks, inventory monitoring, and required quality control; evaluate QC and take corrective action.
• Prepare specimens for testing and transfer or ship specimens to approved testing locations according to standard operating procedures.
• Prioritize and complete testing within turnaround-time requirements, respond to STAT tests and workflow fluctuations, and monitor daily workflow and service levels.
• Review test results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; interpret results as appropriate, perform visual identifications, and complete reflex testing or follow-up for unusual results.
• Follow notification protocols for critical values, abnormalities, and result requests; troubleshoot test-system problems and escalate unresolved issues.
• Print pending logs and follow up to ensure pending tests are completed or appropriately cancelled.
• Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to established protocols.
• Complete post-analytic workflow, verify and release results, generate reports, amend erroneous reports, respond to information inquiries, and store documents and records.
• Perform billing or enter credits when applicable, and identify and escalate billing problems.
• Follow SOPs, operate equipment and computers according to protocol, follow downtime procedures, and fulfill quality-system responsibilities.
• Meet departmental proficiency and competency standards; train new employees and students; review new SOPs; and participate in test development, validation, and implementation.
• Attend at least one personal development session per year and perform other duties as assigned or needed to maintain quality operations.
• Follow safety procedures, use task-appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Answer telephone calls using Northwestern Medicine telephone etiquette, maintain patient confidentiality including protected health information, and assist patients, visitors, and other contacts as needed.

Benefits

• Northwestern Medicine offers a range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.
• Lifecycle benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time