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

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

16d

About The Position

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

The position performs pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows for the assigned laboratory section. This includes order and specimen verification and processing, testing, quality control, interpretation and reporting of results, troubleshooting, specimen storage, and documentation. The scientist also maintains equipment and supplies, follows safety and confidentiality requirements, and supports training, test development, validations, and operational quality.

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 certification or equivalent certification within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Verify and resolve laboratory orders, including unclear, duplicate, or ambiguous orders; confirm add-on test availability and address compliance concerns.
• Collect, receive, evaluate, label-check, document, prioritize, process, and aliquot specimens according to established protocols.
• Perform analytical testing and required specimen preparation, following written protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain test-system integrity by performing preventive maintenance, checking reagents and supplies, monitoring inventory, and completing and evaluating quality control.
• Prioritize testing, meet turnaround times, adapt workflow to STAT tests and volume changes, and monitor daily workflow and service levels.
• Review and interpret results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; perform visual interpretations and required reflex testing or follow-up.
• Follow protocols for critical values, abnormal results, and requests for results; troubleshoot testing problems and escalate unresolved issues.
• Print and follow up on pending logs and store or retrieve specimens and related materials according to protocol.
• Verify and release results, generate and review reports, correct and amend reports, respond to inquiries, and store records according to established procedures.
• Perform applicable billing and charge-capture tasks and escalate billing problems.
• Follow SOPs, operate instruments and computers according to protocol, use downtime procedures when required, and meet quality-system, proficiency, and competency standards.
• Participate in training new employees and students, review new SOPs, contribute to test development, validations and implementation, and attend at least one personal development session annually.
• Follow safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, maintain a clean and organized work area, protect patient confidentiality, and provide service excellence.

Benefits

• A $7,500 sign-on bonus is available to eligible candidates.
• Northwestern Medicine offers a wide range of benefits to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being; eligibility varies by employment classification.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Lifecycle benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time