Senior Medical Technologist, Microbiology Department - Day Shift

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Senior Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Laboratory department. Here, will be responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of routine and esoteric coagulation tests, including diagnostic tests for acute, chronic and inherited bleeding disorders.  The Senior Medical Technologist performs direct patient care for 90% of scheduled hours; the Senior Technologist has broad clinical expertise in the sub-specialty to troubleshoot aberrant results, instruments or method failures, support new test development, address QA/QM needs. 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

 

In this role, you will provide specialized technical leadership to the Medical Technologists as the Manager’s designee and provide continued support for new procedures after implementation into routine diagnostic practice. You will adhere to and assist in enforcing policies and procedures to assure 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
• 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 questionsAssists in establishing and maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures, and record keeping necessary to meet the standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies
• 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. Additionally practices troubleshooting and minor repair of equipment, including teaching this to others
• Assigned responsibility for special projects/activities such as correlation studies, test setup, alternate site testing oversight, inventory management, lead designation for shift teaching med tech students and residents
• Provides specialized support in the implementation of new clinical laboratory procedures, equipment and processes. Furnishes continued technical support after clinical implementation. Provides assistance in establishing and monitoring total quality management, including the standards of accuracy, precision and efficiency in the performance of tests or the operation of equipment in the specialty area
• 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. 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
• Communicates any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive mannerPerforms other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications 

• Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for general supervisor who oversees testing personnel performing high complexity testing

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in clinical laboratory science or related field, from an accredited college or university

• At least three years prior work experience required for certified individuals with practical clinical laboratory experience or a minimum of six years of pertinent clinical laboratory work experience for non-certified individuals with a bachelor’s or advanced degree

• Knowledge and proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and graphical computer p