Medical Laboratory Scientist - Immunology, Full-Time, Days (Sign-On Bonus Offered)

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

10d•$34 - $53

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing and reports 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, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. The position carries out pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic laboratory workflows. Duties include order and specimen verification, specimen collection and processing, test preparation and performance, quality control, result review and interpretation, troubleshooting, reporting, specimen storage, recordkeeping, and applicable billing. The scientist also supports safe, high-quality laboratory operations, participates in staff and student training and test development, and provides service to patients, visitors, and colleagues. This is a full-time day-shift position of 40 hours per week. The role offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus, subject to eligibility. The hourly salary range is $34.00 to $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.
For hires after January 19, 2025, ASCP certification or equivalent certification is required within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-analytic workflow, including verifying orders and relevant non-patient information, resolving ambiguous orders, handling add-on tests, and addressing compliance concerns.
Receive, label-check, evaluate, document, prioritize, process, and aliquot specimens according to established protocols.
Perform analytical testing and specimen preparation in accordance with written protocols and standard operating procedures.
Maintain test system integrity by performing scheduled preventive maintenance, checking reagents and supplies, monitoring inventory, and completing and evaluating quality control.
Prioritize testing, meet turnaround times, follow age-specific protocols, adapt to STAT tests and workflow changes, and monitor daily service levels.
Review and interpret test results for completeness, accuracy, and consistency; perform visual interpretations and appropriate reflex testing or follow-up.
Follow notification protocols for critical values, abnormalities, and result requests.
Troubleshoot test-system problems, take corrective action, escalate unresolved issues, and follow up on pending tests.
Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to protocols.
Verify, release, generate, review, and amend reports according to established procedures.
Respond to information inquiries while following confidentiality and information-release protocols; escalate unresolved inquiries.
Store documents and records and perform applicable billing or credit entry, escalating billing issues as needed.
Follow SOPs, equipment and computer protocols, downtime procedures, quality-system responsibilities, and department proficiency and competency standards.
Participate in training new employees and students, operational review of new SOPs, test development, validations, implementation, and at least one personal development session annually.
Use required safety procedures and personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Answer telephone calls using NM telephone etiquette, protect patient confidentiality, and assist patients, visitors, and other contacts as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed to ensure continued quality operations.