Cytogenetic Technologist

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Genetics Laboratory (CGL), Department of Pathology, is seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE) technologist at the intermediate or senior level to join our clinical cytogenetics team. This position performs complex clinical cytogenomic testing utilizing standard and high-resolution chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, and chromosomal microarray analysis. Responsibilities also include specimen processing for prenatal diagnosis, postnatal constitutional genetic evaluation, and oncology testing to support cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In addition to performing testing, the technologist may review cases completed by other staff members for accuracy, completeness, and interpretation before Laboratory Director review, as appropriate for the position level. The technologist may also preview cases to ensure the requested testing is appropriate for the clinical indication and specimen received, support laboratory workflow and process decisions, and contribute to efficient laboratory operations. The technologist participates in quality control and quality assurance activities, supports the development, validation, and implementation of new testing methodologies, and supports continuous improvement as cytogenomic technologies evolve. The successful candidate will adhere to established laboratory procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements while fostering a collaborative, efficient, and mission-driven work environment dedicated to providing high-quality patient care.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological science, nutrition, nursing, health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a directly related field from an accredited institution and at least 1 year of cytogenetics experience (for Intermediate Professional)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) – Clinical Cytogenetics (CG) eligible (for Intermediate Professional)
Bachelor’s degree in biological science, nutrition, nursing, health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a directly related field from an accredited institution (for Senior Professional)
At least 2 years of cytogenetics experience (for Senior Professional)
ASCP Clinical Cytogenetics (CG) certification or equivalent qualification consistent with laboratory requirements (for Senior Professional)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple laboratory workflows in a high complexity clinical environment
Knowledge of chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray technologies and their clinical applications.
Knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and familiarity with medical and laboratory terminology.
Proficiency with laboratory information systems and standard computer applications, including database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and College of American Pathologists (CAP) laboratory accreditation standards.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and protect sensitive patient information in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
Demonstrated commitment to quality, accuracy, customer service, and attention to detail.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities while meeting established deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders across the institution.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, adapt to changing priorities, and exercise sound judgment when seeking or providing assistance or guidance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a clinical cytogenetics laboratory.
Experience with cell culture techniques.
Experience processing and analyzing specimens for cancer chromosome analysis, chromosomal microarray, and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing.
Experience reviewing cytogenomic testing results.
Experience supporting laboratory workflow and/or mentoring or training laboratory staff.

Responsibilities

Performs specimen processing for oncology chromosome analysis as the primary area of responsibility, including initiation, maintenance, and harvest of cell cultures and preparation of high-quality metaphase chromosome slides.
May also perform specimen processing for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing, including DNA extraction, as needed to support laboratory operations.
Selects and performs appropriate specimen processing methodologies and techniques to produce high-quality cytogenetic and molecular preparations for clinical testing that meet established laboratory quality standards.
Contributes to quality control, quality assurance, process improvement, and troubleshooting activities to maintain reliable laboratory operations.
Recognizes and communicates processing errors, equipment malfunctions, or other issues affecting testing quality or workflow to senior technologists or laboratory leadership.
Maintains proficiency in sterile technique, cell culture, DNA extraction, operation and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, laboratory information systems, and the safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and hazardous chemicals in accordance with laboratory, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
Participates in the validation, implementation, and optimization of new cytogenomic testing methodologies and laboratory procedures, as assigned.
Performs oncology chromosome analysis and may also participate in constitutional chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) scoring, and chromosomal microarray analysis to support clinical diagnostic testing.
Prepares high-quality digitized images of karyotypes and FISH specimens using computerized imaging systems and summarizes case findings by correlating chromosome, FISH, and chromosomal microarray findings.
Prepares standardized case interpretations for reviewers and Laboratory Directors and participates in proficiency testing and other regulatory compliance activities required by accrediting agencies, including the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
May review completed case analyses for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to laboratory standards prior to Laboratory Director review, as appropriate for the position level.
May preview test requests and specimens to ensure appropriate test selection and support laboratory workflow and case prioritization.
Prepares laboratory reagents and media, as needed, and monitors laboratory equipment quality control parameters to support reliable and compliant testing.
Performs routine cleaning and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment, disposes of hazardous waste in accordance with CGL and CU Anschutz policies and protocols, and maintains laboratory records and materials, including filing completed case slides.
Maintains clean, organized, and well-stocked work areas; participates in inventory management; and may be authorized to purchase laboratory supplies using a CU procurement card and/or CU Marketplace in accordance with CU policies.
Receives, labels, stores, and organizes laboratory supplies and independently manages laboratory resources to support efficient daily operations.
Assists with the orientation and training of new employees, genetics students, residents, fellows, and other healthcare professionals in accessioning, wet laboratory processing, wet laboratory maintenance, inventory control, and established laboratory procedures to promote competency, consistency, and compliance with laboratory standards.
Provides guidance and technical support to less experienced staff, as appropriate for the position level.