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Medical Lab Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Medical Lab Scientist We are seeking a dedicated Medical Lab Scientist to ensure quality test results by operating a variety of laboratory equipment and performing manual methods. The successful ...

About Our Client Our client is looking for an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/MT or MLT) to join their high-complexity clinical laboratory. This is a Generalist role with a strong focus ...

About the role In this role, the Medical Lab Scientist is responsible for supporting the delivery of patient care by performing laboratory testing that is utilized in the diagnosis, treatment and ...

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Medical Lab Scientist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.6K

$66.7K

$107.6K

How much do medical lab scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical lab scientist in Chicago, IL is $66,695.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,700.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical lab scientist?

Medical Lab Scientists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their work helps doctors diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. They use sophisticated laboratory equipment and analyze the results to provide critical information for patient care. Medical Lab Scientists must be detail-oriented, skilled in technology, and knowledgeable about laboratory safety and procedures.

What are some common challenges medical lab scientists face when balancing accuracy and efficiency in their daily work?

Medical Lab Scientists often work under tight deadlines, especially when processing urgent patient samples, which can make balancing speed and precision challenging. Maintaining consistent accuracy is crucial, as even small errors can impact patient diagnoses and treatment. To manage this, Medical Lab Scientists rely on strict protocols, regular instrument calibration, and teamwork to divide responsibilities efficiently. Continuous training and communication with healthcare professionals also help address workload fluctuations and ensure high-quality results.

What is the difference between Medical Lab Scientist vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectMedical Lab ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, smaller labs
Job ResponsibilitiesPerform complex tests, analyze results, supervise techsPrepare samples, perform routine tests, assist in testing

Medical Lab Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Medical Lab Scientists typically hold higher credentials and perform more complex testing and supervisory roles. Medical Lab Technicians support routine testing and sample preparation. Both roles are essential in diagnostic labs, with the Scientist often overseeing lab operations.

Do Medical Lab Scientists make good money?

Medical Lab Scientists typically earn a competitive salary that varies by location and experience, with median annual wages often above the national average for healthcare professionals. They require specialized training and certification, and their pay can increase with additional skills or advanced roles in laboratory management or research.

Is being a medical lab scientist worth it?

Medical lab scientists perform diagnostic testing in laboratories, requiring skills in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques. The profession offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization, with a typical work environment in healthcare settings and certification requirements such as the ASCP credential.

Is there a demand for medical lab scientists?

Medical lab scientists are in high demand due to the growing need for diagnostic testing in healthcare. Employment for medical lab scientists is projected to grow faster than average, driven by advances in medical technology and an aging population requiring more laboratory services.

What can I do as a medical lab scientist?

A medical lab scientist performs laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other samples to help diagnose and monitor diseases. They operate and maintain laboratory equipment, analyze test results, and ensure quality control. Certification and knowledge of laboratory information systems are often required for this role.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Medical Lab Scientist jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Medical Lab Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Lab Scientist job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,695 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Medical Lab Scientist

Actalent

Hoffman Estates, IL

$31.25 - $36.54/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Medical Lab Scientist

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Medical Lab Scientist to ensure quality test results by operating a variety of laboratory equipment and performing manual methods. The successful candidate will identify and communicate abnormal patient conditions, alert supervisory personnel and designated officials, and adhere to strict quality control policies. You will also be responsible for maintaining clean and organized workspaces and ensuring that all test systems are functioning properly.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and communicate abnormal patient conditions to appropriate personnel.
  • Operate general chemistry, immunochemistry, molecular microbiology, and LCMS equipment.
  • Organize and analyze work by matching computer orders with specimen labeling.
  • Monitor test analyses and specimen examinations to maintain acceptable levels of analytic performance.
  • Adhere to laboratory quality control policies and document all related activities.
  • Maintain quality results by running standards and controls and troubleshooting equipment.
  • Identify and correct problems affecting test performance or notify the technical supervisor.
  • Ensure that patient test results are reported only after corrective actions are taken.
  • Document all corrective actions when test systems deviate from established specifications.
  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on instrumentation and record actions taken.

Essential Skills

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS/CLS) or equivalent.
  • ASCP certification up to date.
  • 3-5 years of total experience in a clinical lab environment.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience with Beckman-Coulter AU680 analyzers.
  • Experience in chemistry bench work, specifically in healthcare urine/blood testing.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced lab environment.
  • Capability to process 1000+ samples per shift.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Strong experience in microbiology and chemistry.
  • Familiarity with PCR and Biofire technologies.

Work Environment

The lab encompasses R&D, specimen receiving, chemistry, and microbiology sectors. Work hours are Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, from 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Training spans approximately two weeks, Monday through Friday during the day. The workplace fosters a great team 'family' environment with a supportive culture and numerous fun activities such as food trucks, dress-down days, and talent shows. Employees enjoy holiday pay and vacation benefits, including five holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hoffman Estates, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $36.54/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hoffman Estates,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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