MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST

Cook County•Chicago, IL

7d•$37 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

Under appropriate supervision, the Medical Laboratory Scientist exercises independent judgment and technical expertise while performing high-complexity testing across laboratory areas, including point-of-care testing, chemistry, microbiology, blood banking, hematology, and immunology. The position provides technical guidance, training, and direction to laboratory coworkers and support staff; assists with developing and implementing methods and procedures; and assumes responsibility for testing and regulatory compliance in one or more areas. The role also helps manage quality controls, prepare procedures and manuals, and perform safety and administrative tasks, with independent judgment subject to prior administrative approval. The role works in the Hematopathology Department at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. The stated shift is 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; the position must also be able to work rotating shifts, including alternating weekends. The hourly pay range is $36.843–$44.377, with placement based on documented experience submitted with the application. The position functions in a healthcare environment and requires adherence to hospital and department safety procedures, including personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, engineering controls, work-practice controls, and other specified precautions. Offers are contingent on satisfactory references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure and certifications, a physical, and a pre-employment drug screen.

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 as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through ASCP, Medical Technologist (MT) through AMT, or General Supervisor (GS) through ABB; proof must be provided at interview.
One year of post-certification experience in any two laboratory sections.
Proficiency with 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 laboratory tasks and procedures sufficient to provide testimony or expert opinion when required.
Knowledge of governmental and other regulatory requirements applicable to clinical laboratories.
Ability to assist with CLIA and other inspection preparation and meet prescribed standards.
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems and other computer systems.
Ability to collaborate in planning, developing, and carrying out scientific programs.
Ability to build effective working relationships with varied staff, with strong customer-service, interpersonal, and empathy skills.
Ability to make independent decisions within broad guidelines, exercise sound judgment, escalate difficult or unsolvable problems as needed, work as part of a team, and provide leadership when required.
Ability to apply quality assurance controls without supervision.
Ability to participate in and assist with blood-drawing services and related duties where applicable.
Ability to work in more than one laboratory section or area.
Skill in managing patient and laboratory data, records, and information using laboratory information systems or other PC technology.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient-related materials in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
Very good vision, excellent dexterity, and full mental capacity.
Ability to perform physical exertion that may include climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, prolonged standing, operating laboratory equipment and devices, and moving moderate to heavy weight.
Adherence to hospital and departmental safety requirements, including PPE, hand hygiene, engineering controls, and work-practice controls.

Responsibilities

Perform complex laboratory procedures and testing across laboratory sections under general direction.
Provide oversight, training, and coordination for Medical Laboratory Scientists, Laboratory Technicians, and other support staff.
Demonstrate regular and specialized procedures and explain their underlying principles and concepts.
Help develop reports, manuals, procedures, and other documents.
Consult with the supervisor to establish proficiency criteria, standards, and measures consistent with management directives, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
Assist with planning, organizing, and coordinating personnel work to support timely and accurate services.
Keep abreast of developments and innovations in the field and share relevant information with staff, managers, and physicians.
Recommend equipment purchases and assist with installation and optimization of analyzers and other apparatus.
Work with vendors on equipment repair, calibration, and performance, including computers and information technology.
Implement and manage quality-control systems, including setup, review, and corrective steps for QC failures.
Monitor inventory adequacy and arrange replenishment.
Assist in evaluating laboratory programs and methods and make recommendations.
Review the unit’s progress toward goals and objectives.
Take 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.