Medical Laboratory Scientist 1-29322

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. Adherence to the Rush mission, vision, values, and ICARE principles (Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area.
• Labels and processes specimens properly; rejects inappropriate specimens and notifies appropriate personnel for recollection.
• 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 potential causes, and notifies supervisors or designees according to established procedures.
• 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; disinfects the area at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing workload; monitors pending lists to ensure timely processing of all samples.
• Utilizes time effectively, seeks additional duties when shift tasks are complete, and assists coworkers to finish shift tasks without incurring overtime.
• 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 within agreed-upon time frames.
• Trains new staff and students.
• Identifies and participates in process improvement projects.
• May perform duties of the tech-in-charge for specified periods, overseeing operations according to departmental guidelines.
• Defers issues to appropriate personnel (e.g., supervisors or directors) when necessary.
• 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 the laboratory’s specific bench or assignment competencies.

Requirements

• 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.
• Certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency (e.g., ASCP, AMT, ACHI) is required. Acceptable credentials vary by laboratory section and may include:
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via ASCP
  • Medical Technologist (MT) via AMT
  • Specialty certifications (e.g., BB, C, CG, CT, H, M, MB, SCUM, CHT) via ASCP or other recognized agencies
  • 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 may be accepted in some sections.
• Effective and respectful interaction with all individuals encountered at the medical center.

Schedule

• Full-Time (0.9–1.0 FTE)
• 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

Benefits

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits. For more details, visit the Rush benefits page.