Transfusion Medicine Technologist, Blood Bank Lab - Full-Time, Day Shift

About the Role

Join UChicago Medicine, a world-class academic healthcare system, as a Transfusion Medicine Technologist in the Blood Bank Lab department. In this role, you will perform routine and esoteric tests, operate state-of-the-art instruments, and manufacture and issue blood components such as washed red cells and leuko-reduced red cells. The Transfusion Medicine Technologist is responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of tests, including antibody identification. This position is 100% onsite and requires you to be based in the greater Chicagoland area. Eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $10,000.

Responsibilities

• Receives specimens submitted to the blood bank and verifies their suitability for processing based on policies and procedures.
• Adheres to a two-step blood type verification process for patient identification to ensure patient safety.
• Performs blood typing and antibody screening with 100% accuracy to determine safe selection of blood products for transfusion.
• Verifies blood product types, processes donor units, and labels blood products according to regulatory agency requirements.
• Performs complex antibody identification, including additional testing and selection of matched blood products for transfusion.
• Prepares and dispenses blood product coolers for massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in under 5 minutes for the first cooler and continues to prepare additional coolers as needed.
• Conducts a final check on blood products and patient testing before dispensing to ensure correct blood type, antigen compatibility, and accurate labeling.
• Operates all equipment safely and proficiently, following maintenance, safety, and quality control policies and procedures.
• Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents and control materials; notifies supervisor of shortages or issues.
• Monitors blood product inventory to ensure availability for patient transfusions.
• Analyzes test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies, and deviations before reporting or issuing blood products.
• Initiates and documents troubleshooting to resolve issues and reports all test results, blood product testing, patient allocation, and disposition in the laboratory information system within required turn-around times.
• Communicates pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner.
• Assists in training new employees, students, pathology residents, and others.
• Supports new testing, procedures, and equipment validation and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing.
• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Certification or eligibility as a Medical Technologist (MT), Blood Bank Technologist (BB), or Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent.
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory and hospital information systems.
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge or training in southern blot and other molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of pertinent laboratory experience in Blood Bank.

About the Workplace

The Blood Bank Laboratory is located at the UChicago Medicine Center for Care and Discovery (CCD) in Hyde Park, our flagship hospital. The 10-story facility features 436 private patient rooms, 52 intensive care beds, 9 advanced imaging and interventional procedure suites, and 23 operating rooms designed for hybrid and robotic procedures. Amenities include wireless internet, room service, on-site restaurants, a gift shop, and a healing arts program.

The main lobby, known as the Sky Lobby, is located on the seventh floor and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls with panoramic views of Hyde Park and downtown Chicago. Additional features include a chapel, family waiting areas, a food court, a coffee shop, and occasional live music performances.

About Us

UChicago Medicine has been at the forefront of medicine since 1899, providing superior healthcare with compassion. We are committed to advancing medical innovation, serving community health needs, and fostering a collaborative work environment. If you are passionate about enriching human life and contributing to meaningful work, UChicago Medicine offers an opportunity to be part of this pursuit of excellence.

Pay

The pay range for this full-time (1.0 FTE) position reflects current market data and is reviewed annually. Compensation at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications, experience, and organizational considerations, such as internal equity.

Benefits

UChicago Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible roles. Review the full complement of benefit options at UChicago Medicine Benefits.