Medical Technician, Microbiology Department - Part-Time - The University of Chicago Medicine

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Medical Technician in the Microbiology Department. In this role as a Medical Technician, you will perform a wide range of duties in support of basic laboratory operations and performs specimen prep and other pre-analytic and post analytic tasks, as well as limited moderate complexity testing; allows the Medical Laboratory Scientist staff to work at 'top of license' and perform a battery of esoteric tests for timely result interpretation. This Microbiology Lab is operates 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 $750 

Acts as the initial recipient of requests for services provided by the laboratory and appropriately sorts and performs initial processing on those requests in order to provide the highest level of quality service possible. Performs limited patient testing under appropriate supervision.

Essential Job Functions 

• Receives specimens submitted to laboratory and utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processed for analysis
• Accurately enters all pertinent patient and specimen information into the laboratory computer system and follows appropriate procedures during computer downtime, according to laboratory policies and procedures
• Conducts preliminary specimen preparations for the analytical process, when necessary, through centrifugation or homogenization of fluid and tissue specimens and distribution of the prepared specimens to the appropriate sections of the laboratory
• Assures the proper storage and procedures for specimens that cannot be immediately analyzed or specimens that need to be sent for analysis to referral laboratories
• Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling and laboratory procedures, and, when necessary, directs inquiries to the appropriate laboratory staff
• Retrieves results from computer records, workcards, or worksheets when requested by physicians and other healthcare workers, and, when necessary, directs inquiries to the appropriate laboratory staff
• Prepares and maintains adequate stocks of reagents, standards, control materials and other supplies required for the performance of testing at assigned workstations and notifies or assists the supervisor with any shortages or problems
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities, performs required maintenance and initiates troubleshooting procedures when necessary, documents equipment failures and resolution appropriately. Assists in establishing and monitoring compliance with safety procedures
• Performs limited testing, as appropriate, under CLIA 88 rules
• Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results and initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues
• Records required information accurately, neatly, and completely on workcards and/or worksheets Reports all test results in the laboratory information system according to all laboratory policies and procedures, within stated turn-around times and follows the appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes. Files laboratory results in an organized, neat, and timely fashion
• Attends training sessions, seminars and workshops appropriate for the acquisition of the necessary skills and information to enhance clinical laboratory science skills
• Communicates any pertinent information or problems with appropriate laboratory staff and supervisor
• Acts in a consistently professional manner while conducting all duties and responsibilities and wears clothing that is appropriate for conducting those duties
• Performs other duties as requested by senior management 

Required Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing waived or moderate complexity testing
• Appropriate training/experience in clinical laboratory science
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems
• Knowledge and ability to use automated microbiology systems and conventional laboratory equipment
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels
• Ability to stand, stretch, and bend for majority of time worked; ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Exceptional organizational ability with attention to detail mandatory
• Ability to work in stressful situations 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Associate's degree in clinical laboratory science, microbiology or related field from an accredited college or university
• MLT certification/eligibility 

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE:  Part-Time (.50)
• Shift: Day Shift (7:00 am - 3:00 pm),  Every Thurday, Friday, and Saturday
• Work Location:  Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Microbiology Lab  
• CBA Code:  Non- Union

In this role, we anticipate that you will generally work approximately 20 hours per week.  We anticipate that you will generally be scheduled to work the Day shift, from approximately 7:00 am - 3:00 pm and will not be scheduled for on-call shifts.  We anticipate you will be scheduled to work 100% at the Hyde Park campus.  The days of the week that you are scheduled will vary in the week, but we expect you to work weekends, (Saturdays) every weekend.

Why Join Us

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.