Medical Laboratory Scientist, Laboratory, Per Diem

NMC is currently recruiting a per diem Medical Laboratory Scientist (varied hours), in the Laboratory. Northwestern Medical Center's mission is to provide exceptional health care to our community. Join our high reliability team! With "people" as one of our core values, valuing our employees is a top priority for Northwestern. We care about our employees, their families, and their overall health & well-being. We are proud to offer a generous benefits package, with recognized national carriers, designed to help our people stay healthy, balance work & life responsibilities, protect your assets & plan for a secure financial future.

Hiring Range

$30.10 to $43.89 USD + per diem differentials and applicable shift differentials

Medical Laboratory Scientist

JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs diagnostic testing in all laboratory sections, ensuring accurate and timely results. Key responsibilities include specimen processing, instrument calibration and maintenance, quality control, and adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards. Works independently, demonstrating flexibility in managing changing workloads and urgent testing, and may perform phlebotomy, train new staff, and teach students. Additional duties include troubleshooting instruments, assisting with method validation, supporting quality initiatives, and collaborating with team members. Flexibility is required for varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage.

PRE-REQUISITES:

Education:Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a related biological/chemical science with completion of an accredited clinical laboratory practicum or internship consistent with CLIA'88 requirements for high complexity testing.

Experience:Previous laboratory experience preferred but not required.

Other Skills:N/A

Certifications:Nationally recognized MLS certification required within 6 months of hire - ASCP BOC preferred.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports To:
Laboratory Supervisor

Supervises:
Provides technical guidance to Lab Assistants
Provides technical oversight to MLT and Technical Assistants

Other Contacts:
Laboratory Management, Pathologists, Section Specialists, Providers, Clinical Staff, Patients, and Technical and Field Service Representatives.

SCOPE:

Machinery or Equipment Used:Equipment typically used in laboratory environments including analyzers, computers, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, inoculating loops, specimen rotators and mixers, slides, candle jars, refrigerators/freezers/incubators, reagent & specimen storage systems, and tools & equipment used to service analyzers.

Physical Demands:

Infrequent:

Overhead reaching up to 90 inches for retrieval of equipment and supplies. Step stool available.

Occasional:

• Pushing/pulling/lifting up to 45 lbs.; pushing/pulling of wheeled cart or dolly. Lifting, crouching, squatting and overhead reaching when stocking or retrieving supplies. Sitting for computer work, meetings and breaks/lunch. Exposure to wet/slippery surfaces. Balance required when exposed to the wet/slippery surfaces. Exposure to cold temperature in the walk-in cooler (3 degrees Celsius) or walk-in freezer (-20 degrees Celsius).

Frequent:

• Standing/walking when performing job tasks. Forward reaching for retrieval and placement of accessories, specimen and cleaning of equipment or touching of control panels. Must have good gross and fine motor dexterity and tactile sensation of the digits. Requires both red/green and blue/violet color discrimination.

Working Conditions:

• Potential for exposure to infectious specimens, biohazardous materials, and blood-borne pathogens.
• Handling of chemical reagents, with potential for unpleasant odors or fumes.
• Potential for high-stress situations including emergency testing requests, frequent calls and inquiries, and heavy and/or surging workload.

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Must utilize appropriate PPE in compliance with institutional safety standards. This includes a lab coat, gloves, eye protection, and face mask or respirator as required by the task, along with closed-toe, non-slip shoes. Additional PPE such as hair or shoe covers may be necessary in sterile or high-containment areas. Proper use and maintenance of PPE is mandatory at all times.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Laboratory Testing and Specimen Collection

• May be required to perform phlebotomy and specimen collection
• Conduct testing across all laboratory sections, including specialized and advanced procedures.
• Manage workload effectively across multiple shifts and prioritize tasks for efficiency.
• Monitor pending logs and resolve outstanding tests promptly.
• Operate the Laboratory Information System (LIS) per established guidelines.
• Support evaluation and validation of new tests and methods.

• Process specimens according to written procedures.
• Evaluate and verify results before reporting; ensure accuracy and compliance with the Quality Management Plan.
• Consult with Pathologists on unusual or abnormal findings.

• Prepare reagents and solutions per protocol.
• Identify and correct issues that may cause pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical errors.
• Perform and document quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), and preventive maintenance (PM).
• Evaluate QC/QA/PM data, implement corrective actions, and document appropriately.
• Communicate issues to Section Specialists or supervisors and complete event reports promptly.
• Recommend process improvements and perform proficiency testing as assigned.

• Perform and document preventive maintenance and assist with scheduled maintenance activities.
• Manage instrument and assay downtimes using backup procedures.
• Notify stakeholders of instrument/assay unavailability and minimize patient impact.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and consult technical resources as needed.
• Communicate equipment concerns to supervisors promptly.

• Use supplies and resources cost-effectively.
• Maintain inventory to prevent shortages or waste.
• Assist with special projects, including method validations and crossover studies.
• Review and update procedure manuals; acknowledge updates within 30 days.
• Participate in training and onboarding of new staff, students, and visitors.

• Ensure effective handoffs during breaks and shift changes.
• Update whiteboards and documentation for continuity.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to coworkers.
• Coordinate absences to minimize workflow disruptions.
• Assist other sections and support staff during workload fluctuations.
• Attend and contribute to departmental meetings and initiatives.

• Complete continuing education and maintain required CME credits.
• Learn and perform new procedures; share technical knowledge with peers.
• Participate in committees, work groups, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Support departmental goals and development activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.