Molecular Genomics Technologist, Molecular Diagnostic Lab - Full-Time, Day Shift

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Molecular Genomics Technologist in the Molecular Diagnostic Lab department. Here, you will provide testing for cancer patients to determine treatment regimen & monitor response and evaluate eligibility for clinical trials. Testing is very complex, not automated and supports increased NGS testing for cancer services.  Operating 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 the Molecular Diagnostic 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 $10,000

The Molecular Genomics Technologist routinely performs 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 their patients. Primary responsibilities include culture and susceptibility testing, specimen processing, and rapid testing to support infectious disease and immunology testing. This role includes performing clinical molecular diagnostic assays using a wide range of methodologies and instrumentation according to laboratory policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements, applying clinical knowledge and technical expertise to achieve accurate test results in a timely manner to support quality patient outcomes, and assisting in the development and evaluation of new laboratory methodologies and instrumentation.  

Essential Job Functions 

• Receives specimens submitted to laboratory
• Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processes for analysis
• Assures proper storage and procedures for specimens that cannot be immediately analyzed
• Conducts preliminary specimen preparations for the analytical process through centrifugation of blood specimens, aliquotting of blood and body fluids and distribution of the prepared specimens to the appropriate sections of the laboratory
• Answer 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
• Performs all procedures designated under CLIA’88 rules as moderate or highly complex testing; knows all responsibilities as outlined in the laboratory procedure manual necessary to perform these procedures with highest level of quality within turnaround time goals set by the laboratory
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, safety and quality controls policies and procedures
• Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents, standards, and control materials for the performance of testing at assigned workstation and notifies supervisor of any shortages or problems
• Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results. Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues
• 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
• Communicates any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Must satisfy CLIA ‘88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing
• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or related field from an accredited college or university
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment and laboratory testing methodologies
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems
• Exceptional organizational ability, with attention to detail mandatory  
• Ability to work in high volume, stressful situations

Preferred Qualifications 

• At least one year of pertinent laboratory experience and previous Molecular Genomics experience 
• Certification or eligibility as medical technologist (MT) or molecular biology (MB) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent 

 Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.0)
• Shift: Day Shift, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm or 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Work Location: Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
• CBA code: Non-Union

5815 S Maryland Ave

UChicago Medicine Mitchell Hospital - Hyde Park is a six-story hospital at the heart of our historic Hyde Park campus.

An integral part of our academic medical center, the Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital is home to a variety of specialty care, including our post-natal mother-baby unit, advanced imaging services, physical therapy services, dialysis access center and in-patient units. Other amenities include wireless internet, a chapel, an on-site restaurant and a gift shop.