Medical Laboratory Scientist 1-29321

Location: Chicago, Illinois – Rush University Medical Center, RML Chemistry Department

About the Role

The Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 performs all assigned laboratory testing and reporting for the testing area. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines while providing quality care to clients and patients. Adheres to Rush mission, vision, and values, and acts in accordance with Rush policies, procedures, and the Rush ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Schedule

• Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
• Shift 3: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM (8-hour shift)

Pay

• Pay Range: $29.36 – $42.61 per hour
• Eligible for a $6,000 sign-on bonus

Rush salaries are determined by factors including education, job-related experience, skills, internal equity, and industry-specific market data. Offers may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Benefits

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits. Learn more at the Rush benefits page.

Qualifications

Education and certification requirements (varies by laboratory section):

• Bachelor’s degree in laboratory science, biological science, chemistry, or education/work experience meeting CLIA high-complexity testing personnel qualifications (42 CFR 493.1489). No previous experience required.
• Acceptable credentials (examples below; may vary by section):
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via ASCP
  • Medical Technologist (MT) via AMT
  • Specialty certifications via ASCP (e.g., Blood Bank, Chemistry, Cytogenetics, Cytotechnology, Hematology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cytometry, HLA)
  • Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) via AACC or ASCP with a minimum of 5 contiguous years of high-complexity clinical laboratory experience
• Associate’s degree and/or education/work experience meeting CLIA qualifications (42 CFR 493.148) with MLT or other laboratory certification and 5 contiguous years of experience (requirements may be more stringent for some laboratory sections).
• Certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency is required. Some disciplines may require stricter certification criteria.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area.
• Labels and processes specimens properly.
• Performs all laboratory procedures efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision once trained, following Rush-approved policies and procedures.
• Performs required quality control (QC) procedures, preventative maintenance, corrective actions, and documentation for all procedures and instrumentation.
• Recognizes QC problems or discrepancies, determines the cause, and notifies the appropriate supervisor or designee.
• Performs basic troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents actions, and notifies appropriate personnel.
• Maintains a neat, clean, organized, and well-stocked work area, disinfecting at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Rejects inappropriate specimens, notifies the appropriate person for redraws, and documents the notification.
• Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing workload, monitoring pending lists, and utilizing time effectively.
• Completes work without incurring overtime and assists fellow workers with shift tasks.
• Adheres to defined break and lunch times.
• Obtains and documents 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year.
• Participates in method evaluations, new procedure development, special projects, and procedure implementation.
• Trains new staff and students.
• Identifies and participates in process improvement projects.
• May perform tech-in-charge duties, overseeing operations according to departmental guidelines and deferring issues to appropriate personnel.
• Reviews lab results, takes appropriate action before verification and release, and calls critical results within defined time frames.
• Reviews and accurately transcribes paper-generated results into the Lab Information System.
• Additional duties defined by specific bench or assignment competencies.

Skills & Affective Behavior

• Interacts effectively and respectfully with everyone encountered at the medical center.