Technical Lead, Laboratory, Molecular Diagonostic - Day Shift - The University of Chicago Medicine

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Technical Lead in the Molecular Diagostics department. Here, you will conduct a wide variety of inherited and somatic molecular procedures to detect diseases and support pharmacogenomic treatment protocols.  Responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of tests to support targeted treatment modalities and monitor the patient’s prognosis.  Works collaboratively with colleagues, participates in process improvement projects, and trains MT students.  This department is the Molecular Diagostics Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

In consultation with the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, and Medical Director, the Technical Lead serves as the primary specialist in a defined area of subspecialty expertise in the Clinical Laboratories. Responsibilities include development, implementation, evaluation and performance of tests, systems and procedures, staff training and competency, assuming a leadership role in the process of continuous quality improvement, and participation in the laboratory accreditation cycle. Provides leadership in performing complex clinical pathology testing and instrument management of an advanced nature as defined for the specific clinical laboratory service. Ability to perform a wide range of clinical analyses in all sections of the laboratory by properly utilizing a variety of methodologies and instrumentation according to laboratory policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements in order to provide results of the highest level of quality to physicians and our patients.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as a subject matter expert within specific laboratory department 
• Acts as lead in the development, evaluation, validation, and implementation of new clinical laboratory procedures, equipment, and processes
• Completes assigned projects and tasks in a timely manner with little or no supervision and engages the team in projects
• Identifies laboratory and clinical needs related to area of subspecialty expertise including projects, initiatives, quality assurance, and compliance
• Provide guidance to testing personnel performing moderate and high complexity testing
• Acts as knowledgeable leader to assist Medical Laboratory Scientist and Technicians
• Resolves technical problems, performs advanced troubleshooting, provides thorough assessment on technical issues and decisions, and evaluate external assistance when necessary
• 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
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, operation, safety and quality controls policies and procedures
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships as well as physiological conditions affecting test results
• Analyzes all test and quality controls and reviews for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results
• Initiates, documents, troubleshoot to ensure remedial actions are taken whenever test systems/QA deviate from established performance specifications
• Communicates information or problems with laboratory team and leadership in a respectful and proactive manner
• Contributes in maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures and record keeping necessary to meet standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies
• Participates in the quality management program including quality control review, annual procedure review, compliance requirements, quality improvement, and implementation of the training and competency program
• Participate in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency
• Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages
• 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 questions
• Effectively communicates all pertinent information with appropriate laboratory staff and lab leadership
• Acts in a consistently professional manner while conducting all duties and responsibilities 
• Ability to recognize strengths and weaknesses in themselves and others, can adapt to change, and remain professional in stressful situations

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 six years of prior work experience applicable to the specific technical discipline
• Certification or eligibility as Medical Laboratory Scientist, (MLS) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory and hospitals information systems 
• Ability to use and understand basic statistical concepts and methods that are commonly utilized in clinical laboratory science.  Proficiency in laboratory data analytics 
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels 
• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to work in stress situations, and pay attention to details

Preferred Qualifications 

• Three years of Molecular Genomics experience performing Next Generation Sequencing
• Test development experience (assay development and validation experience)

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Fulltime (1.0)
• Shift:  Day Shift (8:00 am - 4:30 pm)
• Work Location: Hyde Park
• Unit/Department:  Molecular Diagonostic Laboratory 
• CBA Code: Non-Union 

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.