Senior Transfusion Medicine Technologist, Blood Bank Department - Evening Shift

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Senior Transfusion Medicine Medical Technologist in the Clinical 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 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.  This department is in the blood bank department.  This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Serves as a subject matter expert within specific laboratory department. Provides leadership in performing complex clinical pathology testing and instrument management of an advanced nature as defined for the specific clinical laboratory service. Routinely performs immunohematology testing using a variety of methodologies and instrumentation according to blood bank policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements. Applies clinical knowledge and expertise to achieve accurate test results in a timely manner to support patient transfusion needs.

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
• 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 and distribution of the prepared specimens to the appropriate sections of the laboratory.
• Two blood type verification process of patient identification is strictly adhered to for patient safety
• 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, safety and quality control policies and procedures
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships as well as physiological conditions affecting test results
• 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)
• Performs final check on blood products and patient testing before dispense to patient for transfusion
• Provide assistance to testing personnel in the absence of an on-site technical supervisor or designee
• 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
• Serves as a subject matter expert within the Transfusion Medicine department
• Provides support in the evaluation, validation, and implementation of new clinical laboratory procedures, equipment and processes
• Assists lab operations supervisor on completing assigned projects and tasks in a timely manner with little or no supervision 
• Provides expertise and guidance to staff for complex patient testing and blood product selection resolution 
• Takes initiative to offer suggestions on optimizing workflow, bench assignments and other pertinent areas of the department
• Acts as knowledgeable leader to assist Medical Technologists and Technicians
• Helps to resolve technical problems, advanced troubleshooting, make critical decisions and obtain external assistance if necessary
• Evaluates need for training, education and helps to create educational resources, job aides and training resource material
• Analyzes all test and quality controls and reviews for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results
• Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues
• Communicates information or problems with laboratory team and leadership in a respectful and proactive manner
• Assists in maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures and record keeping necessary to meet standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies  
• Assists in the training and ongoing continuing education of laboratory testing personnel, students, pathology residents, fellows and others
• Provides assistance in complying with the quality management program 
• Participate in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency

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 Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Blood Bank (BB), or Specialist in Blood Banking Technology (SBB) through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), or equivalent
• At least three years of prior work experience applicable to the specific technical discipline
• 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
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels
• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to work in stressful situations, and pay attention to details

 Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-time (1.0)
• Shift:  Evening Shift + Rotating Weekends and Holidays
• Location: Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Clinical Blood Bank 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.

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.

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.