Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist

Joining UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is about being part of something bigger. It's about belonging to a community that believes in the wholeness of each person, and serves to uplift others in body, mind and spirit. UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is a place where you can thrive professionally, and grow spiritually, by Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Where you will be valued for who you are and the unique experiences you bring to our purpose-minded team. All while understanding that together we are even better.

All the benefits and perks you need for you and your family:

• Benefits from Day One: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off from Day One
• 403-B Retirement Plan
• 4 Weeks 100% Paid Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Whole Person Well-being Resources
• Mental Health Resources and Support
• Pet Benefits

Job Description:

• Provides orientation and training to new employees and medical technology students, acting as a preceptor when teaching new staff and students, and documenting orientation and training.
• Provides guidance to technical and support staff, resolves customer service issues within guidelines, and supports education to clinical staff as appropriate or requested.
• Follows appropriate safety policies, including the use of PPE, handwashing, and hazardous chemical handling.
• Participates in laboratory and hospital performance improvement activities.
• Assists the laboratory management with special projects as assigned.
• Manages quality assessment, technical oversight, problem-solving, scheduling, interviewing applicants, providing input for staff performance, and overseeing training and competency evaluations.
• Performs assigned pre-analytical activities related to laboratory testing, including equipment maintenance, function checks, inventory control, specimen collection, biological specimen processing, cleaning and disinfection, quality control, and calibration performance.
• Performs all expected tests and analytical procedures efficiently and accurately according to established procedures, performance standards, and departmental competency standards.
• Reads, examines, and interprets complex test results, serving as a resource and addressing complex tests and procedures.
• Performs post-analytical activities related to laboratory testing, reporting results (including highly abnormal results) in accordance with established procedures, and providing technical and support information for all age groups.
• Leads quality control and quality assurance testing.
• Manages instrument maintenance and troubleshooting practices.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Technical skills and aptitudes related to the laboratory testing, procedures, and processes performed in the department or work area assigned [Required]
• Follows and ensures adherence of staff, to the Corporate Compliance Plan and to all rules and regulations of all applicable local, state, and federal agencies and accrediting bodies; protects confidentiality of patient information and results at all times [Required]
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varying priorities, including directing workflow with minimal supervision [Required]
• Ability to maintain equipment/records and perform quality assessment activities [Required]
• Ability to educate and train new staff in medical laboratory settings [Required]
• Able to effectively communicate in verbal and written English with patients, staff, partners, and customers of varied backgrounds in a respectful, effective, and professional manner [Required]
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Ability to operate computer systems in order to maintain patient documentation, testing records, and other related documents [Required]

Education:

• Bachelors [Required]

Field of Study:

• in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution OR if the field of study does not match, candidate must meet the CLIA equivalency listed in additional information

Work Experience:

• 2+ years of technical experience [Required]

Additional Information:

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the stated degree requirement:
• Equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined in CLIA regulation 42CFR493.1489(b)(3)(ii): For high complexity testing, equivalent laboratory training and experience includes the following:
• 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR
• 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination; AND
• Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR
• At least three months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing; OR
• Successful completion of at least a 50-week official US military medical laboratory procedures training course and currently hold or have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician); OR
• Qualified and served as high complexity testing personnel in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28, 2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024.
• Additional Licensure or certification requirements may apply depending on the specific unit or state in which this position is located. Please consult the relevant credential grid for detailed information regarding these requirements.
• Due to regulatory body nomenclature changes in 2022 and 2023, MT(ASCP) and MT(AMT) are denoted now as MLS (ASCP) and MLS (AMT).

Licenses and Certifications:

• MLS – ASCP or AMT required

Pay Range:

$31.34 – $58.29

This facility is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws, regulations and ordinances.