Cytogenetic Technologist II

Responsibilities

• If job assignment includes tissue culture: accurately and efficiently perform tissue culture of assigned specimen types, including culture initiation, maintenance, harvest, slide preparation and staining for microscopic analysis.
• If job assignment includes microscopic analysis: perform accurate microscopic/post-microscopic analyses of assigned specimen types, including preparing karyotypes using established cytogenetic laboratory procedures.
• If job assignment includes molecular cytogenetics: accurately and efficiently perform FISH or array on assigned specimen types, including maintaining appropriate QC and maintenance records.
• Perform accurate analysis of FISH or array on assigned specimen types.
• If job assignment includes fluorescence in situ hybridization: accurately and efficiently process assigned specimen types, including slide preparation, pretreatment, hybridization, post wash, and counterstain for microscopic analysis using appropriate quality control standards.
• Perform accurate microscopic/post-microscopic analyses of assigned specimen types meeting or exceeding established productivity and quality control standards.
• Responsible for the more difficult/complex laboratory testing activities and review of work of other technologists.
• Document and maintain tissue culture and/or microscopy analysis records completely and accurately.
• Document chromosome or FISH abnormalities using correct ISCN nomenclature and best assessment of breakpoints.
• Ensure accurate specimen processing/test results by strict adherence to testing methodology and quality standards.
• Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients.
• Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition.
• Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
• Assist in training of other laboratory personnel, students and fellows.
• Assists in developing/ validating new procedures in order to improve quality, efficiency, or accuracy.
• Participates in research, development, and implementation of new testing methodologies/modifications.
• Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA and laboratory safety requirements.
• Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
• Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed.
• May be required, in the absence of a Supervisor, to assume lead responsibilities if qualified and delegated.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Work Experience: Minimum of four (4) years (3 years as a Cytogenetics Technologist) full-time experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory. A degree or certificate from an accredited Cytogenetics training program may be substituted for the year of experience.

Physical and Mental Requirements: The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance. Microscopic analysis requires extended periods sitting at a microscope. Tissue culture and wet lab areas require extended periods of standing, sitting at a biohazard hood, or pipetting. FISH requires the ability to stand or sit for long periods possibly in a small darkroom environment. Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time. Frequent walking and/or standing. May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.

Knowledge: Comprehensive theoretical and operational knowledge of job assignment(s) in Cytogenetics. Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.

Skills: Requires manual dexterity and excellent pattern recognition skills. Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency. Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients. Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients. Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree Science. Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). United States educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript. (Required)

Licenses and Certifications: Current ASCP Certification in Cytogenetics [ASCP-CG] (Preferred)