Medical Technologist, Clinical Microbiology - Day Shift

Job Description

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.

Essential Job Functions 

• 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

Required Qualifications: 

• 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

Preferred Qualifications 

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

 Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-time (1.0)
• Shift:  Day Shift (7:00 am - 3:30 pm) + Rotating Weekends/Holidays
• Work Location:  Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Clinical Microbiology Lab
• CBA code: Non-Union

Why Join Us

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.