NI-Scientist, Medical Laboratory

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

12/29/2025

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-2112BH

Job Title:

NI-Scientist, Medical Laboratory

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

UW Health Clinical Laboratory is a comprehensive provider of laboratory testing, expert medical interpretation of specimens and innovation in laboratory technology. The laboratory plays an essential role in the quality and

safety of patient care by providing accurate diagnostic and treatment information to caregivers and patients.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs a wide range of diagnostic testing. The Medical Laboratory Scientist brings forth the specialized scientific and technical knowledge essential to perform most analytical testing in the Clinical Laboratory. They are responsible for the interpretation and reporting of lab tests. Their teaching and training abilities are of broad lab scope. Individuals are expected to perform some advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and problem resolution; and instruct other employees. Able to assess specimen quality and test validity. A high level of technical skill is needed for testing methods/systems in which quality control materials and/or external proficiency testing materials are labile or not available. Troubleshooting is not automatic and requires decision-making and direct intervention to resolve most problems. Maintenance requires special knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resolution of problems requires extensive independent interpretation and judgment. Unusual issues or difficult problems are referred to a lead technologist or manager. The scope of testing is limited by specialty education and licensing requirements (i.e., cytotechnologist).

Organizational skill and ability to prioritize test requests are critical to successful performance. Multiple test

requests, with different or the same priority, must be effectively organized by the individual in order to maximize diagnostic impact. A high degree of accuracy and reliability is required to ensure results that can assist in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients. Ability to understand lab testing across departments to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Duties require interaction with clinical staff and physicians, i.e., explanation of test results or answering a variety of questions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Performs testing in the clinical laboratories (any complexity).

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Skills to operate calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot analyzers and other lab equipment.

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Demonstrates competence in all laboratory procedures sufficient to perform at a satisfactory level, without supervision.

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Uses good judgement and decision making sufficient to ensure accuracy and quality of lab tests.

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Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment or instruments. Suggests changes to

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maintenance schedules to meet the needs of the laboratory.

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Performs troubleshooting as needed. Uses problem solving skills when assessing test result accuracy and reliability to identify causes for unexpected test results. Serves as a resource less experienced lab staff.

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Promotes good patient and provider relations as demonstrated by positive patient interactions and

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professional attitude and appearance.

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Uses verbal and written communication skills to listen attentively to patient and provider needs sufficient to answer questions, explain procedures, and give instructions.

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Works as a team member as demonstrated by good relations with physicians, clinic staff and co-workers.

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Coordinates workflow/workload as necessary to ensure timely reporting of results. Serves as resource and mentor to less experienced lab staff.

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Reviews select policies as required (i.e., annual review). Recommends policy changes and assists with communication of policy changes to testing staff.

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Performs proficiency testing (PT) as required.

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Participates in survey readiness activities. Assists manager in development and oversight of survey activities.

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Assists with maintenance of procedure manual and communication of changes to testing staff.

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Assists in gathering data for validations, and with guidance, assists in data analysis.

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Assists with gathering data for research activities and coordinating communication to testing staff.

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Assists with activities to support the Laboratory Information System and software changes.

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Assists with supply inventory using principles of asset management.

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Understands the impact of testing activities on billing and submission of credits. Provide assistance with billing activities and corrections as required.

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Assists in the total quality management in all aspects of training, testing and quality review. Assist in quality assurance and proficiency testing activities.

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Uses knowledge of quality control to review and evaluate test or instrument performance.

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Assists with gathering quality control data for periodic reviews and under direction adjusts control ranges. Reviews quality control data as requested by manager.

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Assists with quality assurance activities including adverse event reporting (HERO) or variance review.

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Provides explanation of testing and test results.

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Provides new employee assistance/training.

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Prepares and presents educational and informative material in and outside of department.

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Participates in the teaching of Medical Laboratory Technician students, Clinical Laboratory Science students, residents and other clinical staff as directed by manager.

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Assists with coordinating schedules and gathering data for or assessment of competency.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

Will provide all patients age and culturally appropriate assessment/screening and interpretation of clinical and laboratory data. Develops and implements age appropriate interventional plans of care including education within the parameters of their position responsibilities and licensure

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree

in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical
technology.

Required

Bachelor's Degree

in medical laboratory science (MLS).

Preferred

Master's Degree

in medical laboratory science (MLS).

Preferred

1 year

healthcare or lab related work experience.

Preferred

Certification (Medical Lab Science, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Molecular Biology) by the board of American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)or similar agency preferred.

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

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Demonstrates the following skills: flexible, organized, and able to prioritize work, strong written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, strong analytical skills, strong troubleshooting and problem solving, strong computer and information systems.

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Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance principles and proficiency testing procedures.

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Ability to demonstrate strong independent judgement.

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Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.

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Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations related to work area.

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Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10 lbs.

Negligible Weight

No Weight

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Light: Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that they can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.

11-25 lbs.

1 - 10 lbs.

Negligible weight

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Medium: Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that they can also do sedentary and light work.

26-50 lbs.

11-25 lbs.

1 - 10 lbs.

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Heavy: Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. If someone can do heavy work, we determine that they can also do medium, light, and sedentary work.

51-100 lbs.

26-50 lbs.

11-25 lbs.

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Very Heavy: Very heavy work involves lifting objects weighing more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds or more. If someone can do very heavy work, we determine that they can also do heavy, medium, light, and sedentary work.

Over 100 lbs.

Over 50 lbs.

Over 25 lbs.

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.