Medical Laboratory Scientist at RUSH Chicago, IL

Medical Laboratory Scientist 2 – Rush Medical Center

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: RAB Lab

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

Pay Range: $32.00 - $46.44 per hour. Rush salaries are determined by education, experience, skills, internal equity, and market data. Offers may vary depending on circumstances.

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• Medical Technologist (MT) via the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Blood Bank (BB) via the ASCP
• Chemistry (C) via the ASCP
• Cytogenetics (CG) via the ASCP
• Cytotechnologist (CT) via the ASCP
• Hematology (H) via the ASCP
• Microbiology (M) via the ASCP
• Molecular Biology (MB) via the ASCP
• Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM) via the ASCP
• Technologist in HLA (CHT) or Specialist in HLA (CHS) via ACHI
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) via AACC or ASCP with a minimum of 7 contiguous years laboratory-related experience

• Bachelor's Degree with certification and a minimum of 24 contiguous months of high‑complexity clinical laboratory experience.
• Associate’s degree and/or experience meeting CLIA 42 CFR 493 1489 high‑complexity testing qualifications, with MLT or other certification; requires 7 contiguous years of high‑complexity experience.

Employees are qualified to perform moderate and high complexity testing. Education and/or experience meet CLIA 1996 requirements.

Work in a fast‑paced, computerized environment. Lift up to 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions. Exposure to potentially infectious and hazardous materials.

• Perform all duties as defined for Medical Technologist I.
• Identify and resolve process issues affecting laboratory testing.
• Act as a resource for identifying and solving quality control issues; escalating when appropriate.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting proficiency, rarely seeking additional help.
• Prepare and present a minimum of 15 minutes of continuing education within the department.
• Identify and participate in process improvement projects.
• Ensure sufficient reagents and supplies; notify supervisory staff when inventory falls below minimum levels.
• Serve as educator and trainer for students and new employees.
• Adjust workflow for STAT tests or workload fluctuations.
• Own and maintain test or process performance to exceed minimum quality requirements.

• Perform laboratory testing with required PPE, label and process specimens correctly.
• Follow Rush‑approved policies and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Perform required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance.
• Recognize QC problems or discrepancies, determine causes, and notify appropriate supervisor.
• Perform basic and advanced troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance.
• Maintain a neat, clean, organized work area; disinfect at shift start and end.

• Accept no inappropriate specimens; notify appropriate person if a specimen must be recollected.

• Prioritize and organize workload to meet turnaround time expectations.
• Monitor pending list periodically to ensure timely processing.
• Use time effectively, seek additional duties when tasks are completed, and avoid overtime.
• Assist coworkers in completing shift tasks; adhere to allotted break and lunch times.

• Obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year.
• Prepare and present a minimum of 15 minutes of continuing education within the department.
• Volunteer for method evaluations, new procedure development, and other special projects.
• Participate in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students.

• Perform duties of tech‑in‑charge for designated periods.
• Oversee operations per departmental guidelines.
• Deferral of issues to appropriate personnel when necessary.

• Review lab results as required; take appropriate action before verification and release.
• Recognize and call critical results within defined time frames.
• Transcribe paper‑generated results accurately into the Lab Information System.

• Bachelor's degree in laboratory science, biological science, chemistry, or related field; or equivalent CLIA‑qualified experience.
• Certification as listed in Certification Requirements.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.