Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Senior Histocompatibility Technologist in the Transplant Lab. In this role as a Senior Histocompatibility Technologist, we directly support the UCM Transplant Institute and you will perform testing for both patient and potential transplant donors to support both solid and bone marrow transplant program at UCMC and partnership with Advocate. Operating within UChicago Medicine's Department of Pathology, we provide reference laboratory testing to various related and unrelated health care entities, managed care organizations and non-affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics and private physicians' offices. We offer a full range of diagnostic services. 

Job Summary

Serves as the primary specialist in the Transplant Immunology & Immunogenetics Laboratory. Provides technical leadership to Histocompatibility Technologists and Technicians at the direction of the departmental supervisor/manager. Assists in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new methodologies and instrumentation and provides continued support for these new procedures after implementation into routine diagnostic practice. Routinely performs a wide range of clinical analyses in Transplant Immunology & Immunogenetics Laboratory by properly utilizing a variety of methodologies and instrumentation.

Essential Job Functions 

• Performs moderate and high complexity testing and knows all responsibilities required as outlined in laboratory procedures with the highest level of quality.
• Analyzes all test and quality controls and reviews for errors, inconsistencies and deviations prior to reporting results.
• Initiates and documents troubleshooting and problem solving skills to resolve issues in a timely manner and escalates unresolved issues to the lab operations supervisor for next steps to take.
• Provide oversight of testing personnel performing moderate and high complexity testing as a general supervisor under CLIA 88 rules in the absence of an on-site technical supervisor or designee.
• Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents, standards, controls and supplies required for performance of testing at assigned workstations and notifies or assists lab operations supervisor with any shortages or problems with inventory.
• Acts as advanced technical expert over assigned areas.
• Serves as a specialist within the Transplant Immunology & Immunogenetics Laboratory.
• Provides support in the evaluation, validation, and implementation of new clinical laboratory procedures, equipment and processes.
• Assists lab operations supervisor on completing assigned projects and tasks in a timely manner with little or no supervision.
• Takes initiative to offer suggestions on optimizing workflow, bench assignments and other pertinent areas of the department. 
• Assists in maintaining continual compliance with policies, procedures and record keeping necessary to meet standards of accrediting or regulatory agencies.
• Provides assistance in complying with the quality management program including advanced quality control review, assistance in annual procedure review by offering suggestions for updates and edits, assists lab operations supervisor with AMR verification studies, Method comparison studies, and implementation of the Training and Competency program.

• Assists in the training and ongoing continuing education of laboratory testing personnel, students, pathology residents, fellows and others. Able to attend various training sessions, seminars and workshops when available and appropriate.

• Acts as knowledgeable leader to assist Histocompatibility Technologists and Technicians. Helps to resolve technical problems, advanced troubleshooting, make critical decisions and obtain external assistance if necessary.

• Assists staff in the proficient and safe use of all laboratory equipment following policies and procedures. 

• Effectively communicates all pertinent information with appropriate laboratory staff, lab operations team, and clinicians.

• 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 

• Must satisfy CLIA 88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing.
• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least three years prior work experience required for certified individuals with practical clinical laboratory experience or a minimum of five years of pertinent clinical laboratory work experience for non-certified individuals.
• Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/hospital information systems.
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory equipment. Knowledge or training in southern blot and other molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels.

• Certified or eligible as Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) through the American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) is required. Certification must be achieved in

  two years for non-certified individuals.

• Ability to use and understand basic statistical concepts and methods that are commonly utilized in clinical laboratory science.

• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to work in stress situations, and pay attention to details.

• Knowledge or training in molecular biology protocols.

 Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full Time
• Shift: Days, 9:00am-5:30pm
• Unit/Department: Transplant Lab 
• CBA Code: Non-Union 

Must comply with UCMC’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Why Join Us

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, The University of Chicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

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Bring your career to the next level at a hospital that is thriving; from patient satisfaction to employee engagement, we are at the Forefront of Medicine. Take advantage of all we have to offer and #BringYourPassiontotheForefront.

University of Chicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: www.uchospitals.edu/jobs 

The University of Chicago Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics