Extra Help - Medical Technologist I - Labs/Pathology Services

Extra Help - Medical Technologist I - Labs/Pathology Services

This Position is temporary and limited to 900 hours.

Hiring Department: Labs/Pathology Services

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1040244

Hours per Week:  20

# of Positions: 2

Workplace Type:  On-Site  

Posting Close Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Salary: The range for this position is $38.85 to $40.00 per hour.

About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Job Summary

The Extra Help Medical Technologist I (Chemistry) performs a variety of tests of a moderate or complex nature on patient and quality control samples for chemistry procedures. Such testing may be performed by manual methods involving technical interpretation and by automated analyzers involving maintenance and troubleshooting. The Extra Help Medical Technologist I (Chemistry) assist in staffing the core laboratory and training laboratory personnel and others.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform moderately complex tests by various analyzers in the Laboratory and/or by manual methods on various specimen sources such as blood, urine, and other body fluids, using established procedures, under close supervision.
• Automated Chemistry Analyzer: operate high throughput "profiling" analyzers and robotic automation adhering to the procedures to obtain optimal accuracy and precision of results in blood, urine, and body fluids; apply knowledge of biochemical relationships in assessing the accuracy and validity of results obtained; recognize changes that are critical to patient care.
• Critical Care Testing: operate blood gas and electrolyte equipment, co-oximeters, and whole blood glucose analyzers to assess patient acid-base balance, respiratory state, and metabolic levels; apply knowledge of physiological relationships in assessing the accuracy and validity of results obtained; recognize changes that are critical to patient care.
• Toxicology: operate routine and specialized instruments for therapeutic drug and drug of abuse analyses; determine blood lead levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry; screen blood for the presence of volatiles; follow written procedures for interpretation and assessment of results.
• Immunoassay Testing:  operate a variety of random access and discreet analyzers to determine levels of hormones, metabolites, drugs, tumor markers, and various ligands; apply knowledge of metabolic and biochemical relationships in assessing the accuracy and verification of results obtained; recognize findings that are critical to patient care.
• Special Chemistry: Perform HPLC procedures and Elisa automated analysis. Prepare reports for Hemoglobinopathy testing and Infection Diseases that require a technical level of interpretation.
• Miscellaneous: perform osmometry, acetone semi quantitation, and other manual procedures, as assigned.
• Automated Chemistry: operate automation robot loading and unloading samples. Perform maintenance and minor troubleshooting.
• Review tests results before reporting, using technical and scientific knowledge to recognize and verify results. Consult with supervisor prior to the release of results when results are unusual or unanticipated. Notify patients' physician(s) of life-threatening results.
• Receive a wide variety of patient specimens arriving at the laboratory for testing and perform the procedures necessary to prepare specimens for testing or referral to other laboratories.
• Perform established quality assurance procedures (i.e., quality control testing, instrument function checks, calibrations, and quality monitors) and maintain appropriate records for these procedures.
• Use the laboratory information system for all records functions and inquiries related to testing of patient specimens.
• Maintain a neat, orderly, and safe working environment in the laboratory, while adhering to all guidelines of OHSA's Bloodborne Pathogens Control Act.
• Required to communicate matters of technical importance to physicians, staff and customers on multiple systems as is appropriate.
• Assist with the training of laboratory personnel, new staff and students including but not limited to medical students, med tech students, residents, fellows, and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science that meets CLIA requirements to perform high complexity testing.
• Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences is strongly recommended.
• Knowledge of correct procedures for handling potentially infectious specimen material of patient origin so as not to contaminate self, coworkers or the work area.
• Knowledge and understanding of the importance of appropriate waste handling and disposal.
• Must understand the applications and purpose of laboratory quality assurance programs and procedures.
• Must be able to identify problems of a technical and/or clinical nature, referring the problem to senior and/or supervisory staff in a timely manner.
• Must be able to maintain productive communication with peers, supervisors, health care staff and visitors.
• Must understand the function of the medical laboratories in the health care environment.
• Must be knowledgeable about the importance of the flexibility necessary for work performance within the laboratory setting, and the importance of a professional appearance and attitude.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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.