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Hla Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Hla Lab information

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$9

$26

$46

How much do hla lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hla lab in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an HLA laboratory, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in an HLA laboratory often face challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining strict quality control standards, and interpreting complex results for organ transplantation compatibility. Staying updated with rapidly evolving testing technologies and methodologies is also essential. Effective communication with clinicians and transplant teams is crucial to ensure accurate and timely reporting of critical results. These challenges are typically managed through ongoing training, robust laboratory protocols, and teamwork within a multidisciplinary environment.

What is an HLA lab?

An HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) lab is a specialized laboratory that performs testing related to tissue typing and compatibility, primarily for organ and bone marrow transplantation. These labs analyze genetic markers on white blood cells to determine compatibility between donors and recipients, helping reduce the risk of transplant rejection. HLA labs also play a crucial role in disease association studies and monitoring for post-transplant complications. The work requires precision, advanced molecular techniques, and strict adherence to regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Hla Lab vs Histocompatibility Technician?

AspectHla LabHistocompatibility Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certification in HLA typing or histocompatibilityRequires certification in histocompatibility or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on HLA typing and tissue compatibility testingLaboratory environment performing tissue typing, crossmatching, and compatibility testing
Industry UsageUsed mainly in transplant immunology, research, and clinical labsCommonly employed in transplant centers, hospitals, and research institutions

Hla Lab and Histocompatibility Technician roles both involve tissue typing and compatibility testing, often requiring similar certifications. While Hla Lab may focus more on HLA typing techniques, the Histocompatibility Technician typically performs a broader range of tissue compatibility tests. Both roles are essential in transplant procedures and are found in similar healthcare and research settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HLA laboratory technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HLA Laboratory Technologist, you need a solid background in immunology, molecular biology, and laboratory science, often supported by a relevant degree and ASCP certification. Familiarity with PCR, flow cytometry, serological testing, and specialized HLA typing software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise genetic matching, accurate results, and effective collaboration critical to patient care, especially in transplantation medicine.
Infographic showing various Hla Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

$34.89 - $50.63/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

118th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: RML General Microbiology

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00AM - 3:00PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $34.89 - $50.63 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
The Medical Laboratory Scientist 3 responsible for performing all assigned laboratory testing and reporting for the testing area. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Demonstrates proficiency in identifying and resolving process issues that affect the laboratory's ability to perform laboratory testing. Serves as an expert within the assigned field of responsibility. Instructs students, residents, and new employees. Evaluates their performance within established deadlines. Participates in presenting case studies or in-services. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Must adhere to the Rush code of Conduct and Rush ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, executing these values with compassion.

Other information:
•Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant science required, minimum of five years of high-complexity clinical laboratory-related experience required. Some lab divisions may require more.
•Acceptable credentials (can vary depending on the laboratory section):
oMedical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
oMedical Technologist (MT) via the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
oBlood Bank (BB) via the ASCP
oChemistry (C) via the ASCP
oCytogenetics (CG) via the ASCP
oCytotechnologist (CT) via the ASCP
oHematology (H) via the ASCP
oMicrobiology (M) via the ASCP
oMolecular Biology (MB) via the ASCP
oSpeciality in Cytometry (SCYM) via the ASCP
oTechnologist in HLA (CHT) or Specialist in HLA (CHS) via ACHI
•Employees in this job classification are qualified to perform moderate and high complexity testing. Employees' education and/or laboratory experience meet the requirements delineated in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1996.
•Affective behavior: Interacts effectively and respectfully with everyone encountered at the medical center.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
•Master of Science degree in relevant discipline preferred.
Physical Demands:
•Able to work in fast pace, often stressful, computerized environment. Able to lift 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions. Works in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious and hazardous materials.
Disclaimer:
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities:
1.Demonstrates proficiency in all duties as defined in the role of Medical Technologist II.
2.Serves as an expert within the assigned field of responsibility.
3.Instructs students, residents, and new employees. Evaluate their performance within established deadlines
4.Participates in presenting case studies or in-services.
5.Required to oversee and maintain a clean, clutter-free and well-organized area of responsibility.
6.Required to prepare and present one inter-laboratory continuing education presentation per year.
7.Participates in, prepares, and presents quality improvement initiatives accomplished in the laboratory – 1) Inventory Management; 2) Key facilitator for an instrument or workflow process; 3) Quality or Safety Officer; 4) Mentoring and training MLS1 and MLS2; and 5) Assist in inspection preparation.
8.Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures efficiently and effectively and serves as a technical expert for other laboratory staff. Ensures all testing is performed following Rush approved Policies and Procedures.
9.Performs required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation. Recognizes QC problems, shifts, drifts, or discrepancies, determines root cause, and can resolve them. Notifies the appropriate supervisor or designee regarding QC problems or discrepancies according to the established procedure. Easily determines when escalation is needed.
10.Performs basic and advanced troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents action, and notifies appropriate personnel, for example, supervisors, of problems all of the time. Demonstrates troubleshooting proficiency and therefore rarely needs to seek additional help.
11.Keeps work area neat, clean, organized, and well-stocked at all times. Disinfect area at the beginning and end of each shift. Required to oversee and maintain a clean, clutter free and well-organized area of responsibility.
12.Accepts no inappropriate specimens. Notifies the appropriate person of specimens that must be drawn or collected again and documents the notification.
13.Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift. Monitors the pending list periodically to ensure the turnaround time of all samples.
14.Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete. Completes work without incurring overtime. Assists fellow workers in finishing shift tasks. Adheres to the defined allotted time for breaks and lunch.
15.Required to obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year. Required to prepare and present a minimum of 15 minutes of continuing education within the department. Required to prepare and present one inter-laboratory continuing education presentation per year. Prepares and presents quality improvement initiatives accomplished in the laboratory.
16.Accepts and/or volunteers for method evaluations and new procedure development or other special projects and completes them within an agreed-upon time frame. Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students. Required to identify, participate, and lead in process improvement projects.
17.Required to perform the duties of the tech-in-charge for specified periods. Oversees operations according to departmental guidelines. Understands when to defer issues to appropriate personnel, for example, a supervisor or director, and does so.
18.Reviews lab results as required and takes appropriate action before verification and release. Recognizes and calls critical results within defined time frames. Reviews paper-generated results and transcribes them accurately into the Lab Information System. Review of others' results.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


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