MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST- PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE - TRANSFUSION MEDICINE

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cook County Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to perform high-complexity testing across multiple laboratory sections including POCT, chemistry, microbiology, blood banking, and hematology. The role requires independence, clinical judgment, and guidance to staff to maintain optimal lab operations.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's in a scientific field, CLIA eligibility, and national certification (ASCP/AMT/ABB) with one year post-certification experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field. Official transcripts required.
• Must qualify as Medical Technologist/MLS per CLIA. Provide proof at interview.
• National certification (ASCP/AMT/ABB) as MLS/MT/GS with proof at interview.
• One year post-certification experience in two lab sections required.
• Proficient with Word and Excel.
• Ability to rotate shifts including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-complexity testing in chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, POCT, or blood banking.
• Provide technical guidance and training to MLS and technicians.
• Ensure quality controls and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assist with procedure development and safety tasks as required.
• Manage inventory and support equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Collaborate with supervisor to meet department goals and standards.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

Teamwork

Communication

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

CLIA qualification

ASCP/AMT/ABB certification (MLS/MT/GS)

1 year post-certification experience

Tools

LIS (Laboratory Information System)

PC technology

Job description

Location: JOHN H. STROGER, JR. HOSPITAL

Department: Pathology & Laboratory Medicine - Transfusion Medicine

Shift: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Union: SEIU 73

Pay Range: $36.121 - $43.507 Hourly

• Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement. *

JOB SUMMARY

Under appropriate supervision, exercises independent judgment and technical expertise as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by performing tasks and testing of high complexity in all areas including Point of Care Testing (POCT), Chemistry, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Hematology Immunology or elsewhere within the Department of Pathology. Provides technical guidance, training and direction to co-worker's supervisor and administrative staff as to a strategy for operating the laboratory at optimal levels. Assists with the development and Incorporation of new methods, approaches and procedures for the unit Assumes responsibility for one or more areas with respect to testing, performing and monitoring compliance with governmental or other regulatory standards. Helps run, review and manage quality controls. Assists with developing written and format procedures and manuals. Assists with safety and administrative tasks as required. Exercises independent judgment in a variety of matters- subject to prior administrative approval.

Typical Duties

• Performs highly responsible, difficult and complex procedures in all laboratory sections, under the general direction.
• Participates in the general oversight, training and coordination of MLS, Laboratory Technicians and other support staff in laboratory procedures and tasks requiring from a basic to a high degree of expertise.
• Serves as primary person to demonstrate the correct and proper way to execute a number of regular and specialized tasks and provides theoretical and technical interpretation relative to the principles and concepts involved. Helps develop and explain reports, manuals and other documents as needed.
• Confers and consults regularly with supervisor to help establish criteria standards and measures of technical proficiency for the laboratory unit in compliance with management directives, professional standards, and government or other regulatory agency rules and guidelines. May further assist with tasks related providing for the timely and accurate delivery of services through planning, organizing and coordinating the work of other personnel. Keeps abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the field and conveys vital information to other staff, managers and physicians in order to help assist with strategic planning in that regard.
• Recommends purchases of equipment and may assist in the installation and optimization of new analyzers and apparatus. May work with vendors to repair, calibrate or attain thorough efficiency from equipment on hand, including personal computers (PC) and information technology.
• Implements quality control systems including new quality control (QC) set-up, review and management for tests being performed. Must be proficient in QC rules and steps to correct failures
• Assures adequacy of inventories and arranges replenishment as necessary. Assists in evaluating new laboratory programs and methods and making recommendations in connection therewith. Reviews the progress of the unit toward meeting its goals and objectives.
• Assumes primary responsibility for waste management and safety procedures covering one or more areas.
• Participates and assists with blood drawing, budget and laboratory cost analysis and other administrative tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field from an accredited college or university is required (Must provide Official Transcripts at time of Interview)
• Must qualify as a Medical Technologist by the Illinois Clinical Laboratories Code and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) (Must Provide Proof at Time of Interview)
• Must have national certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) or American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Technologist (MT) or General Supervisor (GS) (Must Provide Proof at Time of Interview)
• One (1) year post certification experience in any two (2) laboratory sections is required
• Must be able to work efficiently using Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must be able to work rotating shifts including alternating weekends

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Proficiency in the performance, analysis and verification of specialized and highly complex laboratory tests and procedures requiring a thorough and extensive knowledge of concepts, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma Methodology and application for process improvements
• Knowledge of specific tasks and procedures sufficient to effectively provide testimony or other expert opinion and discussion as may be required under a variety of circumstances.
• Knowledgeable in governmental and other regulatory requirements applicable for clinical laboratory.
• Ability to assist at a highly responsible level with preparations for CLIA and other inspections and in meeting prescribed standards associated therewith.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information System (LIS) and various computer systems.
• Ability to collaborate with others to plan, develop and carry out vital scientific programs
• Ability to work with a variety of staff to build effective relationships. Strong customer service, interpersonal and empathy skills.
• Ability to work within broad guidelines requiring independent decision making, complimented by sound judgment in determining when to bring difficult or unsolvable problems to supervisors as necessary. Willingness to work with others in a team effort and provide leadership as required.
• Ability to apply quality assurance control without supervision.
• Ability to participate and assist with blood drawing services and perform related duties where applicable
• Ability to handle and perform in more than one section or area.
• Skill in management of patient and laboratory related data, records and information through the use of laboratory information systems or other PC technology as required. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient related materials in compliance with HIPPAA requirements.
• This position requires very good vision, excellent dexterity and full mental capacity. It also requires various types of physical exertion including but not limited to climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, prolonged standing, operation laboratory equipment and other devices, or moving moderate to heavy weight.
• The duties listed above are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

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 the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ: When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To Take Advantage Of This Preference a Veteran Must

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

• Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.
• Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Job Posting

Nov 5, 2026, 12:43:15 PM

Collective Bargaining Unit

SEIU Local 73

Organization

Health and Hospital Systems