Medical Technologist, Clinical Microbiology Department - Day Shift

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine , as a Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Lab department. Here, will perform microbiology, immunology, and molecular infectious disease tests, operate state-of-the-art instruments, and conduct esoteric tests with current technology. Responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of routine and esoteric tests, including diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and allergy identification. Operating within UChicago Medicine's Department of Pathology, we provide reference laboratory testing to various related and unrelated health care entities, managed care organizations and non-affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics and private physicians' offices. We offer a full range of diagnostic services. This department is in the Clincal Microbiology Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area. Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $10,000 Routinely performs a wide range of clinical analyses in all sections of the laboratory by properly utilizing a variety of methodologies and instrumentation according to laboratory policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements in order to provide results of the highest level of quality to physicians and their patients.

Requirements

Must satisfy CLIA ‘88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing
Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or related field from an accredited college or university
Certification or eligibility as medical technologist (MT) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent
Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment and laboratory testing methodologies
Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems
Exceptional organizational ability, with attention to detail mandatory
Ability to work in high volume, stressful situations

Nice To Haves

At least one year of pertinent laboratory experience in a Microbiology lab

Responsibilities

Receives specimens submitted to laboratory
Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processes for analysis
Assures proper storage and procedures for specimens that cannot be immediately analyzed
Conducts preliminary specimen preparations for the analytical process through centrifugation of blood specimens, aliquotting of blood and body fluids and distribution of the prepared specimens to the appropriate sections of the laboratory
Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships as well as physiological conditions affecting test results
Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages
Assists in maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures and record keeping necessary to meet standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies
Assists in training and ongoing continuing education of laboratory testing personnel, students, pathology residents, fellows, and others
Assists in new testing, procedures and equipment validation and implementation
Participates in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency
Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling, results and other technical information. Appropriately assists clinicians with requests and seeks out resources necessary when information is not available to answer questions
Performs all procedures designated under CLIA'88 rules as moderate or highly complex testing; knows all responsibilities as outlined in the laboratory procedure manual necessary to perform these procedures with highest level of quality within turnaround time goals set by the laboratory
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, safety and quality controls policies and procedures
Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents, standards, and control materials for the performance of testing at assigned workstation and notifies supervisor of any shortages or problems
Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results. Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues
Reports all test results in the laboratory information system according to laboratory policies and procedures, within stated turn-around times, and follows appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes
Communicates any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner
Performs other duties as assigned