Cytogenetic Technologist

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

27d • $52,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory is hiring a Cytogenetic Technologist to join our team. The Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Services laboratory is located within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) and UW School of Medicine and Public Health on the University of Wisconsin Campus. This section is a full-service cytogenetics and molecular genetics laboratory processing prenatal, constitutional and oncology specimens for chromosome and molecular cytogenetic analyses as well as a wide range of molecular genetic assays. Our laboratory is certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and is active participant of the NCI-sponsored Children's Oncology Group (COG). This position includes a primary role in the cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) section. Duties in this area are performed under general supervision and include culture harvest and slide preparation from a wide range of tissue/specimen types, and chromosome/FISH analysis (scope analysis, image processing, and results documentation using a variety of software packages). General responsibilities include communication with ordering providers and external laboratories for ordering information, participation in the development and validation of new procedures, writing standard operating procedures, monitoring QA/QC indicators, and general laboratory maintenance activities. Future opportunities to train in molecular cytogenetic applications (clinical and/or research) are available. Opportunities for continuing education are also available. Additional Information: Day hours (8:15-5:00 p.m.) Weekend and holiday rotations, as needed Percent of time spent on various work activities is based on laboratory needs and is at the discretion of the supervisor. Must be able to visually distinguish colors

Requirements

• Laboratory experience is required (includes college coursework), with preference given to clinical laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of good laboratory technique, such as weighting and preparation of solutions and media.
• Knowledge of sterile technique.
• Knowledge and use of bright field and florescence microscope.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for biohazards and chemicals.
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and regulations.
• Effective team skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to visually distinguish colors. A successful color vision screening test is required prior to an offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is preferred.
• An official (or copy of an official) transcript will be required prior to an offer of employment.
• For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. is required.
• The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Identifies opportunities for laboratory improvement and develops new protocols and procedures - 5%
• Communicates effectively with ordering providers and external laboratories to obtain, clarify, and verify test ordering information, ensuring accurate and complete case documentation - 15%
• Performs culture, harvest, slide making, microscopy, and image capturing procedures for chromosome and/or FISH analysis on specimens from a wide range of tissue types - 45%
• Assists with the development and facilitation of continuing education activities, research projects, and trainings for various audiences - 5%
• Performs chromosome and/or fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis - 25%
• Performs established and defined quality improvement and quality control activities - 5%

What This Job Offers

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