Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist Specialist

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist Specialist with the Cytogenetics Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake. As a Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist Specialist, you will prepare specimens for cytogenetic and FISH analysis and make reagents, order supplies, maintain equipment , and keep laboratory stocked and prepared for specimens. You will be responsible for training staff, CAP compliance, quality control, quality assurance, turnaround times and process development in your assigned specialist area. You will also analyze and karyotype cells for cytogenetic and FISH analysis and work up cases in preparation for director review. You will possess master level quality, accuracy, speed and knowledge for your assigned specialist area and execute reflex testing algorithms. Work schedule : 100% FTE Monday – Friday: 8:30 - 5:00pm with rotation weekends and holidays

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree with at least fifteen (15) credit hours in a biological or physical science
• Certification as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in Cytogenetics by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in a Cytogenetics Laboratory.
• Four (4) additional years of related experience may substitute for the educational requirement.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specimens for cytogenetic and FISH analysis.
• Make reagents, order supplies, and maintain equipment.
• Keep laboratory stocked and prepared for specimens.
• Responsible for training staff, CAP compliance, quality control, quality assurance, turnaround times and process development in your assigned specialist area.
• Analyze and karyotype cells for cytogenetic and FISH analysis.
• Work up cases in preparation for director review.
• Execute reflex testing algorithms.
• Investigate and communicate relevant patient clinical information.
• Interpret Pathway reflex testing algorithms.
• Ensure Pathway testing is being followed accurately.
• Enter results into Pathways database.
• Check Pathways pending list to ensure specimens that are on the pathway were received.
• Set up cultures of blood, bone marrow, solid tissue, amniotic fluid, and chorionic villi.
• Harvest cultures from cells to be used for cytogenetic analysis.
• Prepare and stain slides to be used for cytogenetic and FISH analysis using all appropriate staining, pretreatment and post-wash techniques.
• Analyze and photograph interphase and metaphase cells for FISH and karyotyping.
• Karyotype metaphases.
• Accurately record all case work-up information, including ISCN, on paper and in database prior to faculty sign out.
• Responsible for CAP compliance and inspection preparation of the assigned Specialist area.
• Responsible for Quality Control and Quality Improvement in area.
• New method development, deployment and training.
• Review patient request forms for accuracy of information and determine if previous cytogenetics studies were performed.
• Accurately record performance of equipment used.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment properly.
• Maintain and implement laboratory safety procedures.
• Maintain and contribute to a safe working environment.
• Assist the supervisor in preparing for CAP and other inspections.
• Participate in the orientation and training of new technologists, residents, fellows and students.
• Review, participate in and present to peers current procedures, advances in technology, continuing education, local meetings and CAP Proficiency Test Result Presentations.
• Responsibility for workflow, turnaround time, quality of work in area.
• Acts as lead on Cytogenetics project work.
• Can conduct technologist evaluations.
• Responsible for Inventory of reagents, probes media, equipment, glassware and incidentals for area.
• Lab resource for information on protocols, clinical and laboratory knowledge for area.
• Advise clinicians, technologists, researchers or clerical staff proper procedures and containers for sample collection, amount needed and transport.
• Liaison with AP laboratories, IT, and EPIC team, and other cross functional teams, as needed.
• Provide database reports.
• Order supplies.
• Accession cases into laboratory database.
• Troubleshoot problems developed throughout the processing of cases in the lab.
• Suggest new ideas for improvements in technical and organizational methods and be able to implement testing of new methods, as directed.
• Advise supervisor about quantity and quality of chemicals, materials, plasticware and equipment needed to process the specimens.
• Advise supervisor about quality improvement and efficiency improvement.
• Contribute to efficiency of the laboratory.
• Participate in planning for future developments in the laboratory, including staffing needs, workspace, equipment and workload.
• Perform all the duties of Laboratory Technician 2 and Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist.
• Perform related duties as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information, including final diagnosis.
• Contribute to a pleasant working atmosphere.

Benefits

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly
• 12 paid holidays
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level