Transfusion Medicine (TM) Technologist, Blood Bank Lab - Full-Time, Night Shift

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Transfusion Medicine Technologist in the Blood Bank Laboratory. Here, you will perform routine and esoteric tests, operate state-of-the-art instruments, and manufacture and issue blood components such as washed red cells, leuko-reduced red cells, etc. You'll be responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of routine and esoteric tests, including antibody identification. This department is in the Blood Bank 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

In this position, you will routinely 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 their patients. This department provides 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 in both clinical and anatomical pathology and have various areas of expertise

Essential Job Functions

• Receives specimens submitted to blood bank. Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processed for analysis. Two blood type verification process of patient identification is strictly adhered to for patient safety
• Performs blood typing and antibody screening with 100% accuracy to determine safe selection of blood products for transfusion
• Performs blood type verification of blood products and performs donor unit processing and labeling of blood products according to regulatory agency requirements
• Performs complex antibody identification when indicated with additional testing and selection of matched blood products for transfusion
• Prepares and dispense blood product coolers for massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in a timely manner (first cooler must be ready in less than 5 minutes) and continue to prepare addition coolers for continuous MTP
• Performs final check on blood products and patient testing before dispense to patient for transfusion. Final review of correct blood type, antigen negative if indicated by antibodies identified, correct labeling of blood product and transfusion record tags to ensure patient safety
• 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 control policies and procedures. Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents and control materials for the performance of testing at assigned workstation and notifies supervisor of any shortages or problems 
• Continuously monitors blood product inventory to ensure adequate availability for patient transfusion
• Analyzes all test and quality control results for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results or issuing blood products for transfusion 
• Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues, reports all test results, blood product testing, patient allocation and disposition in the laboratory information system according to all laboratory policies and procedures and regulatory agency requirements, within stated turn-around times
• Communicates any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner. Assists in training new employees, students, pathology residents, others. Assists in new testing, procedures and equipment validation and implementation
• 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 
• Certification or eligibility as medical technologist (MT) or (BB), or specialist in transfusion medicine (SBB) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), or equivalent
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospitals information systems. 
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment. 
• Knowledge or training in southern blot and other molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of pertinent laboratory experience in Blood Bank

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time/1.0 FTE
• Shift: Night Shift 
• Unit/Department: Blood Bank Laboratory - Hyde Park
• CBA Code: Non-Union

5700 S Maryland Ave 

UChicago Medicine Center for Care and Discovery - Hyde Park, also known as the CCD, is our flagship hospital in Hyde Park. The 10-story facility is home to world-class medical and surgical care. The CCD includes 436 beds (all private rooms, which are spacious enough to accommodate family for overnight stays), 52 intensive care beds, 9 suites for advanced imaging and interventional procedures and 23 operating rooms designed to accommodate hybrid and robotic procedures. Other amenities include wireless internet, room service, a variety of on-site restaurant options and a gift shop. 

Central Reception and Check-In Area (7th floor) - Our main lobby, also known as the Sky Lobby, is located on building’s seventh floor. It features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which fill the space with natural light and provide panoramic views of Hyde Park and downtown Chicago. Other Sky Lobby features include: 

· Chapel 

· Family waiting areas 

· Food court and coffee shop 

· Occasional live music performances through our hospital’s healing arts program