Technical Lead, Chemistry Laboratory - Full-Time, Day Shift

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

3d•$97,830 - $114,135•Onsite

About The Position

UChicago Medicine is seeking a Technical Lead for its Clinical Chemistry Laboratory. The role serves as the primary specialist in a defined subspecialty area and provides leadership in complex clinical pathology testing and advanced instrument management. The Technical Lead performs clinical analyses across chemistry laboratory sections using appropriate methodologies and instrumentation, following laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements to deliver high-quality results to clinicians and patients. The position leads the development, evaluation, validation, and implementation of tests, equipment, and procedures; provides technical guidance and training to testing personnel; and supports quality improvement, compliance, and laboratory accreditation. The role also performs advanced troubleshooting, reviews test and quality-control results, maintains technical documentation, supports the training and competency program, and communicates technical information to laboratory staff and clinicians. This is a 100% onsite position in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory at UChicago Medicine’s Hyde Park location. The employee must be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Requirements

At least six years of prior work experience applicable to the specific technical discipline.
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Certification or eligibility as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent.
Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for a general supervisor overseeing personnel performing high-complexity testing.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in advanced analytical methodologies, including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and immunofixation.
Experience developing, validating, implementing, troubleshooting, and optimizing specialized analytical methods used in high-complexity clinical chemistry testing.
Ability to develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, validation records, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Knowledge of applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including CAP and CLIA, for high-complexity laboratory testing.
Strong project management skills, including coordination of test development, validation, implementation, and ongoing performance monitoring.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with laboratory leadership, pathologists, medical directors, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to provide technical guidance, subject-matter expertise, and training to laboratory staff on complex testing methodologies and procedures.
Commitment to continuous quality improvement, regulatory compliance, analytical accuracy, and patient safety.
Experience with laboratory informatics and workflow optimization, including LIS configuration, result reporting, and integration of specialized testing into clinical workflows.
Ability to evaluate new technologies, instruments, reagents, and analytical methodologies for analytical quality, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Ability to provide clinical consultation on specialized laboratory testing, investigate discordant or unexpected results, assess analytical and preanalytical interferences, and support appropriate result interpretation.
Ability to provide technical and operational leadership, resolve complex analytical issues, oversee technical procedures, and support staff training and competency assessment.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject-matter expert within a specific laboratory department and subspecialty area.
Lead development, evaluation, validation, and implementation of clinical laboratory procedures, equipment, and processes.
Complete assigned projects and tasks with little or no supervision and engage the team in projects.
Identify laboratory and clinical needs related to the area of expertise, including projects, initiatives, quality assurance, and compliance.
Guide personnel performing moderate- and high-complexity testing and assist Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians.
Resolve technical problems, perform advanced troubleshooting, assess technical issues, and evaluate the need for external assistance.
Report test results in the laboratory information system within required turnaround times and follow backup procedures during computer downtime.
Use laboratory equipment safely and proficiently while following maintenance, operating, safety, and quality-control procedures.
Apply knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, instruments, their interrelationships, and physiological conditions affecting test results.
Analyze test and quality-control results and review for errors, inconsistencies, and deviations before reporting.
Initiate and document remedial actions when test systems or quality assurance deviate from established performance specifications.
Communicate information and problems respectfully and proactively with the laboratory team and leadership.
Maintain compliance with policies, procedures, and records required by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
Participate in quality management, including quality-control review, annual procedure review, compliance, quality improvement, and training and competency implementation.
Participate in educational and training activities to acquire skills, maintain technical relevance, and improve proficiency.
Provide patient-focused care by accurately performing routine and complex tests across pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic stages.
Answer inquiries about specimen handling, results, and other technical information; assist clinicians and seek resources when needed.
Communicate pertinent information to appropriate laboratory staff and leadership and conduct duties professionally.
Recognize strengths and weaknesses in oneself and others, adapt to change, and remain professional in stressful situations.