Medical Laboratory Scientist, Blood Bank, Full-Time, Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

12h • $34 - $53

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing and conveys accurate, timely results 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.

The position conducts pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic laboratory workflows for the assigned section, including order and specimen verification, specimen processing and preparation, testing, result interpretation and reporting, troubleshooting, specimen storage, and charge capture. The scientist maintains test system integrity through instrument maintenance, reagent and supply checks, and quality control. The role also supports safe, high-quality operations, helps train new employees and students, contributes to SOP review and test development, and provides service to patients, visitors, and colleagues.

This is a full-time evening-shift position, scheduled for 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE).

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytic workflow, including verifying orders and non-patient information, resolving unclear or duplicate orders, confirming add-on test availability, and addressing compliance concerns.
• Collect, receive, verify, evaluate, process, prioritize, and aliquot specimens according to established protocols; document unacceptable specimens and take required corrective actions.
• Perform specimen preparation and transfer or ship specimens to approved testing locations according to standard operating procedures.
• Maintain test system integrity by performing preventive maintenance, checking reagents and supplies, monitoring inventory, and completing and evaluating quality control.
• Prioritize and perform testing within established turnaround times, respond to workflow changes and STAT testing, and follow age-specific protocols when needed.
• Review and interpret test results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; perform visual interpretations, reflex testing, and follow-up actions as appropriate.
• Follow notification protocols for critical values, abnormalities, and results requests.
• Recognize and troubleshoot test system or workflow problems, take corrective action, and escalate unresolved issues.
• Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to established protocols.
• Verify, release, report, correct, and amend test results and reports according to procedures.
• Respond to inquiries while following confidentiality and information-release protocols; store documents and records appropriately.
• Perform billing or enter credits for tests and services when applicable, and escalate billing problems.
• Follow SOPs, operate instruments and computers according to protocol, follow downtime procedures, and meet departmental proficiency and competency standards.
• Participate in training new employees and students, operational review of new SOPs, and new test development, validation, and implementation.
• Attend at least one personal development session per year and perform other duties as assigned or needed.
• Follow safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Answer telephones using NM telephone etiquette, maintain patient confidentiality, and assist patients, visitors, and other contacts as needed.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time