Cytogenetic Technician

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

16h • Onsite

About The Position

This position assists in collecting and preparing biological specimens for cytogenetic analysis from various human tissues. The role involves utilizing aseptic techniques, preparing specimens, and recording detailed patient information. Responsibilities include learning to culture cells, harvest cell cultures, prepare microscopic slides, and analyze chromosome preparations. The technician will also learn to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, analyze and photograph cells, and prepare karyotypes using image editing software. Participation in educational activities to enhance knowledge of cytogenetics is expected. This position is security-sensitive and subject to criminal history record information checks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, medical technology, or other physical or natural science field.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assists in collecting and preparing biological specimens for cytogenetic analysis from various human tissues, such as blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and solid tissue; utilizes aseptic techniques; prepares appropriate containers and instruments; collects media, antibiotics, anti-coagulants, and preservatives.
• Records specimens in log, including each patient's name, identification number, sex, age, brief clinical history, suspected abnormality, specimen type, etc.
• Learns to culture cells of various types using appropriate biohazard and/or aseptic techniques. Learns to select appropriate culture media for specific specimens and monitors cell growth.
• Learns to harvest cell cultures using appropriate techniques, such as mitotic arrestants, cell-releasing agents, cell fixatives, etc. Prepares microscopic slides using banding stain techniques.
• Learns to analyze chromosome preparations, select cells, count and analyze each under microscope and prepare several karyotypes (i.e., classification or arrangement of chromosomes into standard order). Learns to summarize results of analysis and organize file for final report by director.
• Learns to operate and maintain photomicroscope, inverted microscope, and standard darkroom equipment. Learns to analyze, photograph, and print appropriate cells from each case. Learns to use semi-automated image editor to prepare karyotypes.
• Participates in conferences and other educational activities to further knowledge of cytogenetics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees