Technical Lead, Chemistry Laboratory - Full-Time, Day Shift

Job description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine , as a Technical Lead in the Chemistry Laboratory . Here, you will serve as the primary specialist in a defined area of subspecialty expertise in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory. Responsibilities include development, implementation, evaluation and performance of tests, systems and procedures, staff training and competency, assuming a leadership role in the process of continuous quality improvement, and participation in the laboratory accreditation cycle. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.
The Technical Lead provides leadership in performing complex clinical pathology testing and instrument management of an advanced nature and can perform a wide range of clinical analyses in all sections of the chemistry laboratory by properly utilizing a variety of methodologies and instrumentation according to laboratory policies and procedures and in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements in order to provide results of the highest level of quality to physicians and our patients.
Essential Job Functions
• Serves as a subject matter expert within specific laboratory department
• Acts as lead in the development, evaluation, validation, and implementation of new clinical laboratory procedures, equipment, and processes.
• Completes assigned projects and tasks in a timely manner with little or no supervision and engages the team in projects.
• Identifies laboratory and clinical needs related to area of subspecialty expertise including projects, initiatives, quality assurance, and compliance.
• Provide guidance to testing personnel performing moderate and high complexity testing.
• Acts as knowledgeable leader to assist Medical Laboratory Scientist and Technicians.
• Resolves technical problems, performs advanced troubleshooting, provides thorough assessment on technical issues and decisions, and evaluate external assistance when necessary.
• Reports all test results in the laboratory information system according to laboratory policies and procedures, within stated turn-around times, and follows appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, operation, safety and quality controls policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships as well as physiological conditions affecting test results.
• Analyzes all test and quality controls and reviews for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results.
• Initiates, documents, troubleshoot to ensure remedial actions are taken whenever test systems/QA deviate from established performance specifications.
• Communicates information or problems with laboratory team and leadership in a respectful and proactive manner.
• Contributes to maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures and record keeping necessary to meet standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies.
• Participates in the quality management program including quality control review, annual procedure review, compliance requirements, quality improvement, and implementation of the training and competency program
• Participate in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency.
• Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages.
• Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling, results and other technical information.
• Appropriately assists clinicians with requests and seeks out resources necessary when information is not available to answer questions.
• Effectively communicates all pertinent information with appropriate laboratory staff and lab leadership.
• Acts in a consistently professional manner while conducting all duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to recognize strengths and weaknesses in themselves and others, can adapt to change, and remain professional in stressful situations.

Required Qualifications
• At least six years of prior work experience applicable to the specific technical discipline.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in clinical laboratory science or related field, from an accredited college or university.
• Certification or eligibility as Medical Laboratory Scientist, (MLS) through American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent.
• Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for general supervisor who oversees testing personnel performing high complexity testing.

Preferred Qualifications
• Expertise in advanced analytical methodologies, including liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS), electrophoretic techniques (gel and capillary electrophoresis), and immunofixation.
• Experience with the development, validation, implementation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of specialized analytical methods used in high-complexity clinical chemistry testing.
• Ability to develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, validation records, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including CAP and CLIA, for high-complexity laboratory testing.
• Strong project management skills, including coordinating test development, validation, implementation, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with laboratory leadership, pathologists, medical directors, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, subject-matter expertise, and training to laboratory staff on complex testing methodologies and procedures.
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement, regulatory compliance, analytical accuracy, and patient safety.
• Experience with laboratory informatics and workflow optimization, including LIS configuration, result reporting, and integration of specialized testing into clinical workflows.
• Ability to critically evaluate new technologies, instruments, reagents, and analytical methodologies to inform technical selection and support analytical quality, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ability to provide clinical consultation regarding specialized laboratory testing, including investigating discordant or unexpected results, assessing potential analytical and preanalytical interferences, and supporting appropriate interpretation of results.
• Ability to provide technical and operational leadership, including resolving complex analytical issues, overseeing technical procedures, and supporting staff training and competency assessment.

Position Details
• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time/1.0 FTE
• Shift: Day Shift
• Unit/Department: Clinical Chemistry Laboratory – Hyde Park
• CBA Code: Non-Union

5815 S Maryland Ave
UChicago Medicine Mitchell Hospital - Hyde Park is a six-story hospital at the heart of our historic Hyde Park campus.
An integral part of our academic medical center, the Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital is home to a variety of specialty care, including our post-natal mother-baby unit, advanced imaging services, physical therapy services, dialysis access center and in-patient units. Other amenities include wireless internet, a chapel, an on-site restaurant and a gift shop.