CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST I

Position Overview

The Chicago Laboratory of IDPH is a high functioning laboratory consisting of 10 or more different working areas with different equipment and testing. Position will be performing Newborn Screening Testing to ensure turnaround times are met for laboratory testing. This position is needed to conduct testing of Newborn Screening specimens in the public health laboratories using the neobase and lysosomal storage disease (LSD) testing methodologies as well as HLPC, GSP and MSMS.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Performs analytical testing on Newborn Screening blood specimens for amino acids and other genetic metabolites.
• Reviews laboratory procedures to ensure that units within the Newborn Screening Section meet quality control and quality assurance requirements for the laboratory activities, equipment media, and reagents.
• Provides assistance to other units.
• Performs screening and diagnostic tests for genetic diseases, via blood analysis for various chemistry analytes, singly and in panels, utilizing fully automated, complex analyzers.
• Participates in the proficiency testing program.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a recognized college or university; or a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in one of the chemical, biological, or physical sciences, supplemented by one (1) year’s professional clinical laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year experience testing clinical samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, high-performance liquid chromatography, and/or chemical analysis.
• One (1) year of experience using standard laboratory equipment such as biological safety cabinets, analytical balances, and centrifuges.
• Thorough knowledge of performing quality control testing and the regulatory basis for maintaining a quality assurance program in a clinical laboratory.
• One (1) year of experience performing standard laboratory techniques such as pipetting, streaking for isolation, use of a microscope, and running biochemical assays for bacterial identification.
• One (1) year experience using laboratory related software programs such as a laboratory information management system.
• Extensive knowledge of CLIA regulations for diagnostic testing in a high-complexity clinical testing laboratory.
• One (1) year experience interpreting laboratory reports in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.

Conditions of Employment

• Prior to extending an offer of employment, transcripts will be requested and evaluated to verify that awarded/conferred degree and coursework meet federal requirements for personnel performing high complexity testing under (42 CFR 493.1489).

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $1.8 Billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,400 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.