CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST I

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Chicago Laboratory is seeking a Clinical Lab Technologist I to perform newborn screening testing and related high-complexity analyses. You will work in a fully in-office setting, handling complex testing using neobase and LSD methodologies, HLPC, GSP, and MS/MS.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology (or related field) and at least 1 year of clinical lab experience; preferred candidates have QA/QC knowledge and experience with automated

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or in one of the chemical, biological, or physical sciences with 1 year of clinical lab experience
• Experience with newborn screening testing and complex analytical methods is preferred
• Knowledge of quality control and regulatory requirements for clinical laboratories is required

Responsibilities

• Perform screening and diagnostic tests for genetic diseases via blood analysis.
• Operate fully automated analyzers and perform QA/QC checks.
• Review procedures to ensure QC and QA standards are met.

Skills

Newborn screening testing

High-complexity lab testing

Quality control knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related field

1 year clinical laboratory experience

Tools

Neobase testing

Lysosomal storage disease testing (LSD)

HLPC

GSP

MS/MS

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents to Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59280
Opening Date: 10/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/21/2026
Agency: Department of Public Health
Class Title: CLINICAL LAB TECHNOLOGIST I (08220)
Skill Option: Medical Technology
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135/month; Full Range $6,135-$8,790/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 2121 W Taylor St, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger - something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule- flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Chicago Laboratory of IDPH is a high functioning laboratory consisting of 10 or more different working areas with different equipment and testing. Position will be performing Newborn Screening Testing to ensure turnaround times are met for laboratory testing. This position is needed to conduct testing of Newborn Screening specimens in the public health laboratories using the neobase and lysosomal storage disease (LSD) testing methodologies as well as HLPC, GSP and MSMS.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
• Performs analytical testing on Newborn Screening blood specimens for amino acids and other genetic metabolites.
• Reviews laboratory procedures to ensure that units within the Newborn Screening Section meet quality control and quality assurance requirements for the laboratory activities, equipment media, and reagents.
• Provides assistance to other units.
• Performs screening and diagnostic tests for genetic diseases, via blood analysis for various chemistry analytes, singly and in panels, utilizing fully automated, complex analyzers.
• Participates in the proficiency testing program.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a recognized college or university; or a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in one of the chemical, biological, or physical sciences, supplemented by one (1) year’s professional clinical laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year experience testing clinical samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, high-performance liquid chromatography, and/or chemical analysis.
• One (1) year of experience using standard laboratory equipment such as biological safety cabinets, analytical balances, and centrifuges.
• Thorough knowledge of performing quality control testing and the regulatory basis for maintaining a quality assurance program in a clinical laboratory.
• One (1) year of experience performing standard laboratory techniques such as pipetting, streaking for isolation, use of a microscope, and running biochemical assays for bacterial identification.
• One (1) year experience using laboratory related software programs such as a laboratory information management system.
• Extensive knowledge of CLIA regulations for diagnostic testing in a high-complexity clinical testing laboratory.
• One (1) year experience interpreting laboratory reports in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.

Conditions of Employment

• Prior to extending an offer of employment, transcripts will be requested and evaluated to verify that awarded/conferred degree and coursework meet federal requirements for personnel performing high complexity testing under (42 CFR 493.1489).

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

This position DOES NOT contain 'Specialized Skills' (as that term is used in CBAs).