Laboratory Quality & Testing Coordinator

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,297,000 - 108,427,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago seeks a Laboratory Quality & Testing Coordinator to provide technical, administrative, and quality support for Laboratory Services, with primary responsibility for coordinating Point-of-Care Testing and ensuring regulatory compliance.

You will update policies, review performance metrics, support research collaborations, and help maintain accurate documentation while working with laboratorians, physicians, nursing and external partners to improve patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field or equivalent.
• MLS or MLT certification required; master's may substitute.
• 3–5 years of clinical laboratory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Point-of-Care Testing operations and QA/QC activities.
• Maintain policies, training materials, and regulatory records.
• Review logs and KPIs to support follow-up and improvements.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing, research, and lab staff.
• Support phlebotomy operations and specimen handling.
• Assist with operational metrics and workflow improvements.

Skills

Quality control

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field

MLS or MLT certification (or Master's in lieu)

Tools

EMR

LIS

Point-of-Care data systems

Job description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you'll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You'll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none - one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You'll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Laboratory Quality & Testing Coordinator provides technical, administrative, and quality support for Laboratory Services at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, with primary responsibility for coordinating Point-of-Care Testing activities and supporting the Laboratory Manager in maintaining regulatory compliance, quality standards, and effective laboratory operations. Responsibilities include coordination of quality control, competency, equipment and troubleshooting, policies and procedures, and required documentation, while assisting with the monitoring of laboratory performance, key performance indicators, operational logs, and workflow measures to support timely follow-up and continuous improvement.

Serving as a technical and operational resource across Laboratory Services, the Laboratory Quality & Testing Coordinator works collaboratively with laboratory staff, physicians, nursing, research teams, and other interdisciplinary partners to support laboratory-related workflows, including research scheduling and coordination as needed. The position maintains a working knowledge of venipuncture, specimen handling and processing, EKG services, and related laboratory processes to effectively support departmental operations and assist in resolving workflow concerns.

Job Description

The Laboratory Quality & Testing Coordinator will:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and technical resource for Point-of-Care Testing operations, supporting quality assurance/control, device functionality and troubleshooting, operator competency, proficiency testing, regulatory accreditation requirements, and the standardization of Point-of-Care practices across applicable Shirley Ryan AbilityLab locations.
• Maintain and update applicable Point-of-Care and laboratory policies, procedures, training materials, competency documentation, and required records, including CLIA certificates and other documentation necessary to support regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• Review pending logs, key performance indicators, and other operational metrics to support timely follow-up, identify trends or workflow concerns, and help ensure Laboratory Services remain aligned with established quality and performance standards.
• Serve as a laboratory resource for research teams, working collaboratively with research to coordinate laboratory availability, scheduling, collection requirements, and appropriate handling, processing, and transport of research specimen(s).
• Maintain working knowledge of phlebotomy operations, specimen collection/ processing, EKG services, waived testing, and related laboratory systems, providing technical and operational support within these areas as departmental needs require.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to support laboratory operations, troubleshoot concerns, and facilitate resolution.
• Assist the Laboratory Manager with operational metrics, quality initiatives, workflow improvements, and administrative activities as assigned.
• Is expected to demonstrate initiative, accountability, flexibility, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving while supporting the operational and strategic goals of Laboratory Services.
• The responsibilities outlined above are not intended to be all-inclusive and represent the primary duties customarily performed within this position.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Manager of Laboratory Services/Laboratory Manager

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, or related field, or equivalent qualifications as determined by organizational requirements.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of clinical laboratory or related healthcare laboratory experience
• MLS or MLT certification required, but will accept a Master's Degree in lieu of MLS or MLT certification
• Phlebotomy experience and demonstrated competency in specimen collection preferred.
• Knowledge of Point-of-Care Testing operations, quality control, quality assurance, competency assessment, proficiency testing, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of laboratory workflows including specimen collection, receiving, processing, send-out testing, and applicable laboratory information systems.
• Experience with EMR, LIS, and Point-of-Care data management systems.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to review operational data, identify issues, and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities while remaining responsive to changing patient care and operational needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, nursing, laboratory staff, research personnel, leadership, vendors, and external laboratory partners.

Working Conditions

• The position primarily operates Monday through Friday, depending on operational needs rotating weekend and holiday coverage may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Pay and Benefits*:

Pay Range:

$22.74 - $37.84

Benefits:

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits

*Benefits and benefits' eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an affirmative Action Employer as required by law.