Description
Lead Histocompatibility Clinical Lab Scientist - Join the Forefront of Organ Donation Science!
Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network | Itasca, IL
Salary Range: $85,126 - $95,757
About Us
Gift of Hope is among the largest Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) in the nation, proudly serving most of Illinois and northwest Indiana with vital connections to 180 hospitals and 10 transplant centers. As one of the few OPOs operating a full-service, in-house laboratory, we're at the cutting edge of organ donation and transplantation science, making a direct impact on saving lives every day.
The Opportunity
We're seeking a passionate and skilled Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Histocompatibility to join our innovative team. In this critical role, you'll perform sophisticated laboratory testing while providing technical leadership to our histocompatibility section. Your expertise will directly contribute to successful organ matches and transplant outcomes!
What You'll Do
- Perform high-complexity laboratory testing using established methodologies, including molecular HLA typing, flow-cytometry, genetic analysis, and more
- Serve as section lead with technical oversight of histocompatibility testing, leveraging your expertise in antibody screening and flow crossmatch
- Provide final review and sign-off on clinical cases across all testing aspects
- Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency and accuracy
- Communicate complex test results to internal and external stakeholders
- Mentor and train laboratory staff, conducting competency assessments
- Assist with personnel management and scheduling
- Help develop and validate new procedures and protocols
- Maintain quality control standards and ensure regulatory compliance
- Serve as on-call technical consultant during off-hours
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, or medical sciences
- Certification as a Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) or Specialist (CHS), or ability to obtain within 18 months
- Minimum 2 years' experience in high-complexity testing in histocompatibility, immunology, or related fields
- Technical competency in at least three clinical testing areas specific to our laboratory
- Critical thinking skills and decisive judgment with minimal supervision
- Proficiency with laboratory software systems and basic Microsoft Office skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and analytical abilities
- Strong multitasking capabilities and deadline management
Why Join Gift of Hope?
Beyond the satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to saving lives, we offer:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plan
- 403(b) retirement plan with company match
- Tuition reimbursement up to the IRS-allowed maximum
- Personalized learning and development opportunities
- Monthly cell phone and internet stipends
- Paid Parental Leave
- Annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Accounts for wellness needs
- Comprehensive employee assistance programs for personal and professional support
To apply, click or email your resume to rmcmahon@giftofhope.org
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, military or veteran status, family medical history or genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on an individual’s job-related qualifications and abilities.
