Medical Technologist II (Molecular Technical Specialist)

Hiring Department: Labs/Pathology Services

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1039483

FTE: 1

Work Schedule: M-F, rotational weekends

Shift: Days

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: On-Site

Posting Close Date: 3/10/2026

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $69,181.00-$140,005.00

*Final salary offered will be determined by market data, internal equity, candidate experience/qualifications, and budget.*

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 intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary:

Molecular Pathology is a very dynamic area of the laboratory. Novel clinical tests are often introduced, existing methodologies are often upgraded or replaced, and send-out tests are brought in-house. Validations are an on-going process in the section. One of the key functions of the Medical Technologist II (Technical Specialist) in the section of Molecular Pathology will be the involvement in all aspects of the validation process: identification, justification, development, analysis, and document preparation. They will also be pivotal in the training of staff to transition over to the newly validated assay. The Medical Technologist II (Technical Specialist) will ensure that all instrumentation used in the section is functioning properly and is properly maintained. They must demonstrate technical expertise, excellent judgment, and a solid background in molecular biology. They will perform a variety of moderately or highly complex tests on patient and quality control samples according to molecular pathology procedures. Such testing may be performed by manual methods involving technical interpretation, and by automated analyzers involving maintenance and troubleshooting. The Medical Technologist II will also assist with the instructing of new employees, pathology residents, medical technology students and medical students.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Evaluate, develop, and validate new assays or major revisions of existing assays for the Molecular Pathology Laboratory under the direct supervision of the laboratory director.

Prepare documentation for new or revised assays including: LIS New Test Build Requirements Form, procedure, QC sheets, and PCR worksheets. Implement database when appropriate. Collaborate with section manager to complete a cost analysis worksheet for each new test and maintain the accuracy of those worksheets by updating with any cost increases by vendors or when workflow changes impact labor or the number of reagents and consumables used.

Train and complete competency assessments for the Molecular Pathology Laboratory staff on newly developed/validated assays, revised assays, or new hires on existing assays.

Ensure that all instrumentation used in the section is properly maintained. Schedule instrument Preventive Maintenance as needed and ensure that all field service reports are issued and filed appropriately (Nanodrop instruments are sent out annually). Ensure on-site PMs are performed as needed (microscopes, fume hoods, biological hoods, centrifuges, pipets, thermocyclers) and documentation is filed (hard copy and/or electronic).

Responsible for ensuring that all supplies for testing are inventoried (in particular- NGS reagents and consumables) on a routine basis, and that supplies and consumables are ordered as necessary to assure no interruption in patient testing.

Maintain a harmonious working relationship among laboratory staff, provide the staff with leadership, serve as a mentor and role model, and practice continuous quality improvement in all areas. Advise and assist staff as questions and problems arise. Submit IS tickets as needed and assist with difficult/complex conversations with patient care providers.

Perform and interpret patient testing in areas of responsibility, including all manual and automated testing. Ensure necessary assay controls are maintained and sustainable, and that calibration verification is performed every six months on the quantitative assays.

Share in conducting weekly staff huddles: encourage participation, document discussion, follow up on action items.

Verify that all QC is being performed and documented. Complete Corrective Action Reports to thoroughly document any matter requiring documentation, follow-up, or corrective action. Ensure staff complete these QAI/yellow sheets- reminding them any failed run should be documented.

Be well-informed and up to date with the content of the CAP Molecular Pathology Checklist, All Common Checklist and Laboratory General Checklist. Be knowledgeable of the location and contents of all procedures and binders/records maintained in the section. Responsible for preparation of CAP inspections, meetings with CAP inspectors, and preparing staff for the inspection.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school graduation or equivalent.
Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing for general supervisory personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1461.

The CLIA reference can be found at the following website address. This is a direct link:
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_c_lab.pdf

Note: It is recommended that, in order to ensure consistent application of these qualifications, the evaluation and verification of an applicant’s credentials be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of an experienced clinical laboratory technologist and the personnel department in a manner which will preserve the applicant’s anonymity.
Bachelor's degree in Science that meets the CLIA requirements to perform high complexity testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Must meet University Civil Service and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements.
Completion of a supervisory training course is highly desired.
Must have good communication skills in order to maintain productive communication with peers, superiors, health care staff and visitors.
Must have good writing skills in order to update and write procedures.
Must be able to operate and perform troubleshooting of equipment and instruments in areas of responsibility.
Must have knowledge of correct procedures for handling potentially infectious specimen material of patient origin so as not to contaminate self, coworkers or the work area.
Must have knowledge of the importance of appropriate waste handling and disposal.
Must understand the function of the medical laboratories in the health care environment.
Must have knowledge of the importance of the flexibility necessary for work performance within the laboratory setting and the importance of a professional appearance and attitude.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

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.

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Medical Technologist II (Molecular Technical Specialist)