Medical Laboratory Scientist 3 - Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory at RUSH University Medical Center

Location: Chicago, IL

Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center

Department: RML Histocompatibility-Immunogentic

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

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

Summary:

Rush Pathology Laboratory has an outstanding opportunity available for a qualified medical laboratory scientist in our Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory. Our laboratory is the provider of histocompatibility testing for the Rush Kidney and Stem Cell Transplant programs. The qualified MLS is responsible for directly assisting in oversight of daily laboratory operations as well as laboratory testing. HLA tests include Luminex bead-based antibody testing and analysis, DNA-based molecular typing (SSO and NGS), and both flow cytometric and virtual crossmatching for the evaluation of solid organ and stem cell transplant patients and their prospective donors. In addition to lab testing, they will review the accuracy of laboratory test results performed by technologists; creates test reports; assists with UNOS Waitlist management; and performs additional functions as delegated by the laboratory supervisor. The MLS participates in rotating on-call administrative duties for VXM compatibility testing for the solid organ transplant programs. This is a full-time position with shared on-call responsibilities. Requirements: Qualified candidates must have a BS/MS degree in Science, or other related field. A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in histocompatibility testing, certification as an MLS(ASCP) and/or CHT/CHS is required. 

Other information:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant science required, Master of Science degree in relevant discipline preferred.
Certification from nationally recognized certifying agency required. Some laboratory disciplines may require more stringent certification criteria.
Acceptable credentials (can vary depending on the laboratory section):
•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
Experience: Minimum of five years of laboratory-related experience required.
Affective behavior: Interacts effectively and respectfully with everyone encountered at the medical center.
REPORTS TO:
Laboratory Supervisor or Designee
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Able to work in fast pace, often stressful, computerized environment. Able to lift 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions. Works in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious and hazardous materials.
CLIA QUALIFICATION FOR TESTING:
Employees in this job classification are qualified to perform moderate and high complexity testing. Employees' education and/or laboratory experience meet the requirements delineated in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1996.

Responsibilities:
Administrative and Advanced Technical Duties:
•Demonstrates proficiency in all duties as defined in the role of Medical Technologist II.
•Serves as an expert within the assigned field of responsibility.
•Instructs students, residents, and new employees. Evaluates their performance within established deadlines.
•Participates in presenting case studies or in-services.
•Recognizes QC problems, shifts, drifts, or discrepancies, determines root cause and can resolve. Notifies appropriate supervisor or designee regarding QC problems or discrepancies according to the established procedure. Easily determines when escalation is needed.
•Required to oversee and maintain a clean, clutter free and well-organized area of responsibility.
•Required to prepare and present one inter-laboratory continuing education presentation per year.
•Participates in, prepares, and presents quality improvement initiatives accomplished in the laboratory.
Will be responsible for any combination of the following:
•Inventory management
•Key facilitator for an instrument or workflow process
•Quality or Safety Officer
•Mentoring and training MT1 and MT2
•Assist in inspection preparation.
Job Components
Performs Laboratory Testing
Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures efficiently and effectively and serves as a technical expert for other laboratory staff. Ensures all testing is performed following Rush approved Policies and Procedures.
Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance
Performs required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation. Recognizes QC problems, shifts, drifts, or discrepancies, determines root cause and can resolve. Notifies appropriate supervisor or designee regarding QC problems or discrepancies according to the established procedure. Easily determines when escalation is needed.
Troubleshooting
Performs basic and advanced troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents action and notifies appropriate personnel, for example, supervisors, of problems all the time. Demonstrates troubleshooting proficiency and therefore rarely needs to seek additional help.
Organization of Work Area
Keeps the work area neat, clean, organized, and always stocked. Disinfects area at the beginning and end of each shift. Required to oversee and maintain a clean, clutter free and well-organized area of responsibility.
Specimen Acceptability
Accepts no inappropriate specimens. Notifies appropriate person of specimens that must be drawn or collected again and documents the notification.
Turnaround Time Expectations
Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift. Monitors the pending list periodically to ensure turnaround time of all samples.
Time Management
Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete. Completes work without incurring overtime. Assists fellow workers to finish shift tasks. Adheres to the defined allotted time for breaks and lunch.
Continuing Education
Required to obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year. Required to prepare and present a minimum of 15 minutes of continuing education within the department. Required to prepare and present one inter-laboratory continuing education presentation per year. Prepares and presents quality improvement initiatives accomplished in the laboratory.
Special Projects
Accepts and/or volunteers for method evaluations and new procedure development or other special projects and completes them within an agreed upon time frame. Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students. Required to identify, participate, and lead in process improvement projects.
Tech-in-Charge
Required to perform the duties of the tech-in- charge for specified periods of time. Oversee operations according to departmental guidelines. Understands when to defer issues to appropriate personnel, for example a supervisor or director, and does so.
Report Reviewing and Results Reporting
Reviews lab results as required and takes appropriate action before verification and release. Recognizes and calls critical results within defined time frames. Reviews paper generated results and transcribes accurately into the Lab Information System. Review of others' results.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or 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.