Senior Research Technologist - Clinical Research Lab, Full-Time, Days

The salary range for this position is $35.27 - $51.14 (Hourly Rate)

Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section located at jobs.nm.org/benefits to learn more.

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world-class care. Here, you'll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you've been, and we support where you're headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well-Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce-led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

The Senior Research Technologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Senior Research Technologist ensures the success of the laboratory by providing technical and administrative support to department staff and clients.  The Senior Research Technologist is capable of performing specialized tests, reviewing records for accuracy and completion, as well as assigning work to other staff in the laboratory of the Clinical Research Unit as needed to maintain effective laboratory operation.

Responsibilities:

In addition to the responsibilities of a Research Technologist, this position provides technical/administrative oversight to and directs the workflow of personnel who perform sample processing and laboratory tests.

• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the laboratory to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported.
  • Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens:
    • Verifies specimens and requisitions are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt. Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action if needed. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed.
  • Performs specimen preparation:
    • Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols.
    • Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs.
  • Enters orders:
    • Verifies specimens for local lab testing are available and acceptable. Generates test orders when needed.
• Responsible for all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the laboratory.
  • Maintains test system integrity:
    • Examines preventative maintenance logs on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion and follows up as needed.
    • Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use and appropriate parties are notified.
    • Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.
    • Review and evaluates QC results in designated sections and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
  • Performs tests:
    • Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times.
    • Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.
    • Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
  • Performs technical review and interpretation:
    • Develops and maintains a higher level of expertise in the specific areas of responsibility.
    • Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.
    • Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary.
    • Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
    • Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.
    • Follows established notification protocols for critical values, a phone/fax result requests, abnormalities.
    • Evaluates instruments and test systems and makes recommendations for acquisition to senior management.
  • Troubleshoots and solves problems.
    • Performs advanced troubleshooting and repair. Calls for field service when necessary and is familiar with contractual terms of maintenance agreements.
• Performs all aspects of the post-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct.
  • Specimen storage and transport:
    • Ensures that specimens and related materials (blood, body fluids, slides, etc) are stored according to protocols for location and duration with necessary documentation.
    • Reviews pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending shipments are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
  • Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order.
• Universal Responsibilities.
  • Ensures quality of operations:
    • Assists the coordinator and manager in monitoring the operations of designated areas to ensure the service standards and financial goals are met.
    • Assumes delegated responsibilities in the absence of a coordinator.
    • Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.
    • Responsible for inventory maintenance and supply ordering in designated section.
    • Responsible for regulatory compliance in designated section.
    • Performs required quality systems responsibilities including initiating Quality Investigation Reports.
    • Participates in the training of new employees.
    • Meets proficiency and competency standards of the department and assists in the competency assessment of technical and support staff.
    • Participates in new test development, validations and implementation.
    • Presents continuing education programs.
    • Contributes in developing and implementation of technical goals and standards.
    • Provides support and laboratory expertise to department clients.
    • Performs utilization reviews of study protocols.
      • Creates/revises laboratory specific budgets.
      • Takes action to notify clients of essential logistics required for study initiation.
  • Information Systems:
    • Ensures integrity of Laboratory Information Systems by following established protocols and participating in the maintenance and enhancements of the LIS.
    • May oversee instrument computer software updates.
    • Demonstrates expertise in Information Technology; uses applications to streamline operations and facilitate service monitoring and data collection.
  • Ensures safety of operations:
    • Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed.
    • Maintains clean and organized work area.
    • Escalates safety issues and/or concerns to the coordinator or manager.
  • Provides service excellence:
    • Answers telephones when needed, using AIDET telephone etiquette.
    • Maintains patient confidentiality, including protected health information (PHI).
    • Assists patients, visitors and other contacts whenever need occurs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and
• 2-3 years of experience working in a clinical or research laboratory preferred.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.