Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Flow Cytometry Crossmatch

Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

PTO

403(b) retirement with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Wellness stipend

Flexible 8 or 10-hour shifts

Job summary

Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network in suburban Chicago, IL, seeks a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Flow Cytometry Crossmatch. You’ll perform HLA typing by real-time PCR and third generation sequencing, solid phase antibody testing, flow cytometric cross-match, and infectious disease testing to support organ donation and transplantation.

This role leads the Flow Cytometry or Infectious Disease Testing section, guides high-complexity testing, mentors staff, and ensures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or medical sciences.
• Certification as a CHT or CHS, or ability to obtain certification within 18 months.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in high-complexity testing in histocompatibility, immunology, infectious disease, or virology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as section lead for Flow Cytometry or Infectious Disease Testing, providing expert oversight and guidance
• Perform high-complexity laboratory testing using established methodologies
• Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide final review and sign-off on clinical cases across all testing aspects
• Train, mentor, and support laboratory staff in testing procedures and protocols
• Assist with personnel management and employee development
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements from CMS/CLIA, FDA, UNOS, ASHI, and CAP
• Communicate critical test results to internal and external stakeholders

Skills

Leadership

Critical thinking

Decisive judgment

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or medical sciences

CHT or CHS certification or eligible within 18 months

Tools

Real-time PCR

Flow cytometer

Third generation sequencing

Laboratory software systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Gift of Hope is among the largest OPOs in the nation, proudly serving most of Illinois and northwest Indiana with connections to 180 hospitals and 10 transplant centers. As one of the few OPOs operating a full-service, in-house laboratory, we’re at the forefront of organ donation and transplantation science.

The Opportunity

As our Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Flow Cytometry Crossmatch, you’ll perform HLA typing by real time PCR and third generation sequencing, solid phase antibody testing, flow cytometric cross-match, a variety of infectious disease testing and organ biopsy in support of organ donation and transplantation.

Gift of Hope employs more than 30 laboratory staff, has supportive leadership and innovation and growth opportunities.

Your Role & Impact

• Serve as section lead for Flow Cytometry or Infectious Disease Testing, providing expert oversight and guidance
• Perform high-complexity laboratory testing using established methodologies
• Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide final review and sign-off on clinical cases across all testing aspects
• Train, mentor, and support laboratory staff in testing procedures and protocols
• Assist with personnel management and employee development
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements from CMS/CLIA, FDA, UNOS, ASHI, and CAP
• Communicate critical test results to internal and external stakeholders

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary Range: $85,000 – $96,000

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance options
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Tuition reimbursement up to the IRS-allowed maximum
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-funded lifestyle spending account for wellness
• Flexible 8 or 10-hour shifts

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or medical sciences
• Certification as a Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) or Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS), or ability to obtain certification within 18 months

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in high-complexity testing in histocompatibility, immunology, infectious disease, or virology
• Technical competency in at least three clinical testing areas specific to the Gift of Hope Laboratory
• Strong critical thinking skills and decisive judgment
• Proficiency with laboratory software systems and basic Microsoft Office applications

Location

Based in suburban Chicago, IL, you’ll be near world-class museums, diverse arts and entertainment venues, beautiful beaches, lakefront trails, and family-friendly attractions. Our location offers convenient access to O’Hare International Airport and the vibrant Chicago metropolitan area.