Medical Laboratory Technician I (Specimen Processing) - UI Health, Labs/Pathology Services

Medical Laboratory Technician I (Specimen Processing) - UI Health, Labs/Pathology Services

Hiring Department : Labs/Pathology Svcs

Location : Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID : 1041759

FTE : 1

Work Schedule : 3:30PM - 12:00AM, Monday - Friday, rotating weekends

Shift : Evenings

# of Positions : 1

Workplace Type : On-Site

Posting Close Date : July 9, 2026

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $27.54 - 42.56 / Hourly Wage

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.

The Medical Laboratory Technician I, under supervision, performs a variety of duties and responsibilities associated with basic laboratory support functions, such as specimen processing according to policy and procedure, filing, answering telephones, result retrieval, customer service, faxing reports, order entry, log in specimens, printing reports, specimen distribution, centrifugations of specimens, operate and troubleshoot computer terminals, printers, fax and copiers, limited preventive maintenance. Troubleshoot and problem solve order errors, mislabeled specimen, missed test, add-on's and other specimen processing errors. Keep work area clean and organized. Wear PPE equipment at all times. Be professional and courteous when interacting with internal and external customers and clients at all times. Perform other duties as assigned.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Receive a wide variety of patient specimens arriving at the laboratory for testing.
• Following established guidelines, decide whether specimen type and quality is suitable. Notify authorized provider if unacceptable.
• Perform computer procedures for test requesting, canceling, or crediting tests ordered with a high degree of accuracy.
• Verify billing information.
• Prioritize and organize work.
• Use the laboratory computer for all functions related to testing of patient specimens: run patient and lab reports and perform other computer functions i.e. backups, scanning, etc.
• Perform required procedures to process specimens: centrifuges, aliquots, etc.
• Distribute samples appropriately to various.
• Investigates pending specimens.
• Maintain specimen storage.
• Answer phones for inquiries of results.
• Recall data via LIS and report by phone.
• Trace results not yet posted.
• Call STAT/critical results in a timely manner to clinics and units according to established policy and procedure.
• Refer complex problems to supervisor.
• Seek and obtain guidance from supervisor regarding questionable specimens or test results.
• Perform routine maintenance procedures and function checks on laboratory centrifuges, refrigerators, eyewash stations and other equipment following established procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain the laboratory work area so that it is organized, neat and uncluttered.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Any one or combination of the following equivalent to two (2) years (24 months):
• Associate’s Degree eighteen months (18 months) in medical laboratory technology (MLT).
• Completion of a vocational training program for Medical Laboratory technology.
• Work experience training in a medical laboratory which provided a knowledge of generally accepted medical laboratory principles and practices.
• Possession of a current/valid American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support CPR Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Be familiar with specimen requirements for all tests done in the laboratory, including appropriate types of specimens for various tests and correct handling, processing and storage procedures for each test and specimen type.
• Be familiar with the organization of Pathology Laboratories in order to know which tests and specimens to forward to specific laboratories
• 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.
• Have detailed knowledge of the operation of the HIS and the LIS in order to select and use the correct program for the correct purpose.
• Be able to type well enough to use a computer terminal efficiently.
• Have knowledge of medical and scientific terminology sufficient for reading and understanding laboratory requests, following written laboratory procedures and reporting results in correct terms and correct units of measure.
• Have technician level knowledge of all tests performed in the laboratory.
• Be familiar with laboratory workflow so pending specimens can be quickly located.

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.