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

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

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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 follows Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, Code of Ethics, compliance program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

The position carries out pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows for the assigned laboratory section. This includes verifying orders and specimens, preparing and testing samples, maintaining instruments and supplies, completing quality control, reviewing and reporting results, troubleshooting issues, and retaining specimens and records in accordance with established protocols. The scientist also supports safe and high-quality laboratory operations, service excellence, training, and continuous improvement.

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; alternatively, 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

• Verify and resolve laboratory orders, including unclear or duplicate orders, specimen availability for add-on tests, and applicable compliance concerns.
• Receive, evaluate, label-check, prioritize, process, aliquot, and document specimens according to established protocols.
• Perform analytical testing and any required specimen preparation, following written protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain instruments and test system integrity through preventive maintenance, reagent and supply checks, inventory monitoring, and quality control.
• Prioritize and complete testing within turnaround-time requirements, responding to STAT tests, workflow changes, and fluctuations in work volume.
• Review and interpret results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; perform follow-up or reflex testing and communicate critical values according to protocol.
• Troubleshoot test system and workflow problems, take corrective action, and escalate unresolved issues as appropriate.
• Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to established protocols.
• Verify, release, report, and amend test results; respond to information requests while following confidentiality requirements.
• Store documents and records according to protocol and perform applicable billing or charge-capture tasks.
• Follow SOPs, equipment and computer procedures, downtime procedures, safety requirements, and quality-system responsibilities.
• Meet department proficiency and competency standards; participate in training new employees and students, SOP reviews, test development, validations, and implementation.
• Attend at least one personal development session per year and perform other duties as assigned or needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, use appropriate personal protective equipment, answer telephones when needed, and assist patients, visitors, and other contacts.

Benefits

• A $7,500 sign-on bonus is offered, subject to eligibility restrictions.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.
• Lifecycle benefits.
• A range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time