Senior Research Technologist - Clinical Research Lab, Full-Time, Days

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Senior Research Technologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Senior Research Technologist ensures the success of the laboratory by providing technical and administrative support to department staff and clients.  The Senior Research Technologist is capable of performing specialized tests, reviewing records for accuracy and completion, as well as assigning work to other staff in the laboratory of the Clinical Research Unit as needed to maintain effective laboratory operation.

Responsibilities:

In addition to the responsibilities of a Research Technologist, this position provides technical/administrative oversight to and directs the workflow of personnel who perform sample processing and laboratory tests.

• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the laboratory to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported.
  • Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens:
    • Verifies specimens and requisitions are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt. Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action if needed. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed.
  • Performs specimen preparation:
    • Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols.
    • Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs.
  • Enters orders:
    • Verifies specimens for local lab testing are available and acceptable. Generates test orders when needed.
• Responsible for all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the laboratory.
  • Maintains test system integrity:
    • Examines preventative maintenance logs on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion and follows up as needed.
    • Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use and appropriate parties are notified.
    • Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.
    • Review and evaluates QC results in designated sections and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
  • Performs tests:
    • Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times.
    • Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.
    • Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
  • Performs technical review and interpretation:
    • Develops and maintains a higher level of expertise in the specific areas of responsibility.
    • Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.
    • Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary.
    • Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
    • Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.
    • Follows established notification protocols for critical values, a phone/fax result requests, abnormalities.
    • Evaluates instruments and test systems and makes recommendations for acquisition to senior management.
  • Troubleshoots and solves problems.
    • Performs advanced troubleshooting and repair. Calls for field service when necessary and is familiar with contractual terms of maintenance agreements.
• Performs all aspects of the post-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames