CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST I

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health Chicago Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform duties as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist 1.  The ideal candidate should have experience in chemistry techniques and capable of working independently to perform testing of clinical specimens for the identification of genetic, metabolic, and lysosomal storage disorders affecting newborns.  The ideal candidate should be familiar with mass spectrometry and related technologies, and willing to work in a fast-paced environment to support newborn screening.  Testing within this section is considered high-complexity under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and individuals applying for this position must meet the requirements specified in 42 CFR 493.1489, Testing personnel qualifications.

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 clinical specimens for respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections, food and waterborne disease outbreak, blood lead, rabies, tuberculosis, newborn genetic disorders, and other clinical diseases.   
• Performs experiments on specimens in order to detect the presence of organisms or conditions using manual and automated methodologies.
• Provides assistance to other units.
• Receives and prepares clinical and environmental specimens for appropriate testing.
• Performs and documents participation in the proficiency testing program.
• Processes infectious waste for sterilization and disposal in accordance with the approved guidelines and procedures.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

• 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 tandem mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, 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 $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 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.