Job Description

Join UChicago Medicine as a Pre-Analytical Technician in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory department. Here, you will be responsible for the provision of specimen receipt, assessment, and pre-analytical processing services, aspects of quality assurance, including verification of missing information, exception handling, and activating specimen rejection per laboratory policies. Adheres to laboratory policies and procedures, including all applicable regulatory agency requirements, in order to provide results of the highest level of quality to physicians and their patients. Pre-analytical technicians may perform phlebotomy specimen collection and assist in bone marrow procedures as needed.  

Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $1,500.

This department is in the Clincal Chemistry Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Essential Job Functions 

• Receives specimens submitted to the laboratory.
• Follows laboratory procedures for accessioning, labeling, and ordering tasks to ensure accurate identification, identify the ordering provider, and ensure proper billing.
• Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimens are acceptable for analysis.
• Assures proper storage and handling for specimens that cannot be immediately analyzed.
• Ensures specimen integrity is maintained by following appropriate transport procedures as well as shipping and packaging procedures in the case of specimens being sent out for testing.
• Conducts preliminary specimen preparations of laboratory specimens for the analytical process through centrifugation, aliquotting of blood and body fluids, packaging, setup, quality assessment, and distribution of the prepared specimens to the appropriate sections of the laboratory.
• May handle dry ice, formalin, and other hazardous materials for purposes of specimen processing and transport.
• Performs phlebotomy for specimen collection. May assist in the bone marrow collection process.
• Performs waived testing as assigned.
• 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.
• Collaborates with techs and leadership for the correct reporting of all test results in the laboratory information system according to laboratory policies and procedures, within stated turnaround times, and follows appropriate procedures during downtimes.
• Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of waived tests through the pre-analytic and 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.
• Performs clerical duties such as shipping, filing, laminating, scanning, and mailing etc.
• As applicable, interacts with patients via specimen collection activities. Ensure a professional demeanor during patient interactions.
• Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem-solving to resolve issues.
• Communicates any pertinent information or problems with the laboratory team and leadership respectfully and proactively.
• Prepares and maintains an adequate stock of reagents, standards, and control materials for the performance of testing at the assigned workstation and notifies leadership of any shortages or problems.
• Assists in maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures and record keeping necessary to meet standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies.
• Assists in training and ongoing continuing education of laboratory testing personnel, students, pathology residents, fellows, and others.  
• Assists in new testing, procedures, and equipment validation and implementation.
• Participates in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance, and improve proficiency. 

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory and hospital information systems
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment
• Ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels

Preferred Qualifications 

• Associate Degree in a Science-related field of study 
• MLT (ASCP) certification/eligibility 
• Clinical laboratory or phlebotomy experience 

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE:  Full Time  (1.00)
• Shift: Evening Shift 
• Work Location:  Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Clinical Chemistry Lab
• 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.

As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.