Medical Laboratory Scientist - Chemistry, Full-Time, Evenings (Sign-On Bonus Offered)

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

10d•$34 - $53

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing and communicates accurate, timely results to physicians or their designees to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The position follows Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The role includes pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic laboratory workflows. Duties include order and specimen verification and processing; performing tests and interpreting results; maintaining instruments, reagents, supplies, and quality control; troubleshooting problems; and ensuring that results, records, specimen storage, and billing are handled according to established procedures. The scientist also supports training, new test development and validation, operational quality, safety, and service excellence. This is a full-time evening position at 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE). It offers a $7,500 sign-on bonus, subject to eligibility requirements. The hourly salary range is $34.00–$52.70.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health 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, must obtain ASCP or equivalent certification within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-analytic workflow, including verifying orders and non-patient information, resolving ambiguous orders, and confirming add-on test availability.
Collect, receive, evaluate, label, prioritize, process, and aliquot specimens according to established protocols; document unacceptable specimens and required notifications.
Perform analytical testing and specimen preparation according to written protocols and standard operating procedures.
Maintain test system integrity by performing instrument and equipment preventive maintenance, checking reagents and supplies, monitoring inventory, and completing and evaluating quality control.
Prioritize and complete testing within defined turnaround times, follow age-specific protocols, and adapt workflow to STAT tests and changes in volume.
Review and interpret test results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; perform indicated reflex testing or follow-up and notify appropriate parties of critical values and other findings.
Recognize and troubleshoot test-system problems, escalate unresolved issues, and follow up on pending tests.
Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to protocol.
Verify and release results, generate and review reports, correct or amend erroneous reports, and respond to information requests in accordance with confidentiality and release procedures.
Store documents and records and perform applicable billing or credit-entry tasks; escalate billing problems.
Follow SOPs and downtime procedures, operate instruments and computers appropriately, complete quality-system duties, and meet department proficiency and competency standards.
Participate in training new employees and students, operational review of new SOPs, and development, validation, and implementation of new tests.
Attend at least one personal development session per year and perform other duties as needed to maintain quality operations.
Follow safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Provide service excellence by answering telephones appropriately, maintaining patient confidentiality, and assisting patients, visitors, and other contacts.