Cytogenetics Technologist (Healthcare Professional – Senior to Principal)

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Genetics Laboratory (CGL), Department of Pathology, is seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE) technologist at the senior to principal 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 (CMA) 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.
Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in clinical cytogenetics, including constitutional chromosome analysis (for Senior level).
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in clinical cytogenetics, including substantial experience in constitutional chromosome analysis and technical case review (for Principal level).
ASCP certification in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP), or equivalent certification.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a clinical cytogenetics laboratory.
Demonstrated experience performing chromosome analysis, karyotyping, and interpretation of constitutional cytogenetic abnormalities using current ISCN nomenclature.
Experience performing technical case review and providing guidance to other chromosome analysts.
Experience with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing and correlation of results across cytogenomic methodologies.
Experience with cell culture techniques.
Experience processing a variety of constitutional specimen types, including peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus samples, products of conception, and tissue.
Experience evaluating specimen, culture, and chromosome preparation quality and troubleshooting technical or processing issues.
An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

Responsibilities

Performs comprehensive constitutional chromosome analysis on peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sampling, products of conception, tissue, and other applicable specimen types.
Identifies and documents numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities, variants, mosaicism, and complex or unusual findings in accordance with laboratory procedures and current ISCN nomenclature.
Prepares high-quality digitized karyotypes using computerized imaging systems and ensures representative cells and findings are appropriately documented.
Correlates chromosome findings with FISH, chromosomal microarray, and other available cytogenomic results, as applicable.
Prepares case summaries, standardized interpretations, and supporting documentation for technical and Laboratory Director review.
Identifies cases requiring additional analysis, FISH analysis, parental testing, CMA testing, or other follow-up and escalates complex or discrepant findings as appropriate.
Participates in proficiency testing and quality activities related to constitutional chromosome analysis.
Performs technical review of completed constitutional chromosome analyses and karyotypes, as authorized based on position level, training, and demonstrated competency.
Reviews cases for analytical accuracy, completeness, appropriate cell selection, documentation, and correct application of ISCN nomenclature prior to Laboratory Director review.
Evaluates complex and unusual findings and assists with resolution of analytical discrepancies or review of cases requiring additional workup.
At the Principal level, provides advanced technical review and consultation for highly complex cases, supports standardization of analytical and interpretive practices, and assists with resolution of difficult or discrepant findings.
Performs specimen processing for constitutional chromosome analysis, including initiation, maintenance, and harvest of cell cultures and preparation of high-quality metaphase cell chromosome slides.
Performs specimen processing for 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 that meet established laboratory quality standards.
Contributes to quality control, quality assurance, process improvement, and troubleshooting activities.
Recognizes, resolves when appropriate, and communicates processing deviations, equipment malfunctions, or other issues affecting testing quality or workflow.
Maintains proficiency in sterile technique, cell culture, DNA extraction, laboratory instrumentation, laboratory information systems, and the safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and hazardous chemicals.
Participates in the validation, implementation, and optimization of new cytogenomic testing methodologies, laboratory procedures, equipment and instrumentation, and reagents, as assigned.
Assists with the orientation and training of new employees, genetics students, residents, fellows, and other healthcare professionals in constitutional chromosome analysis, wet laboratory processing, 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.