Cytogenetics Technologist, Full-Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

1d • $36 - $47

About The Position

The Cytogenetics Technologist supports the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine and complies with its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, applicable policies, and regulatory and accreditation standards. The position performs cytogenetic testing and analysis, including tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation and banding, microscope scanning, chromosome analysis, FISH analysis, DNA extraction, microarray-based analysis, and report drafting.

The technologist carries out pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic laboratory workflows. This includes checking orders and specimens, preparing and prioritizing samples, maintaining test systems and equipment, performing quality control, conducting and interpreting tests, troubleshooting problems, verifying and reporting results, handling inquiries and records, and supporting accurate billing and specimen storage. The role also contributes to quality and safety, helps train employees and students, reviews new procedures, and provides service to patients and other contacts while maintaining confidentiality.

This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE position working 40 hours per week on the day shift. The listed hourly salary range is $36.10 to $46.93.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or another science degree qualifying the applicant to perform high-complexity testing under 42 CFR Part 493.
• One year of work experience in a cytogenetics laboratory, or eligibility for CG (ASCP), or CG (ASCP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform cytogenetic analyses, including tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation and banding, microscope scanning, chromosome analysis, FISH analysis, DNA extraction, microarray-based analysis, and report drafting.
• Independently use laboratory instruments and troubleshoot as needed.
• Perform pre-analytic workflow, including verifying orders and non-patient information, resolving ambiguous orders, checking add-on test suitability, and ensuring specimens are appropriately collected, processed, and transported.
• Collect, receive, label-check, assess, prioritize, document, and process specimens; take corrective action for unacceptable specimens and aliquot specimens according to protocol.
• Maintain test system integrity through instrument and equipment maintenance, reagent and supply checks, inventory monitoring, quality control, and corrective actions.
• Prepare specimens for testing and document sample preparation according to protocol.
• Prioritize and complete testing within established turnaround times, adapting workflow to STAT tests and changes in workload.
• Perform technical review and interpretation of results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; evaluate and interpret test findings as appropriate.
• Recognize and troubleshoot test system problems, escalate unresolved issues, and follow up on pending tests.
• Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to established protocols.
• Conduct validation studies under the direction of a coordinator or director.
• Complete post-analytic workflow to ensure accurate and timely reporting, appropriate specimen retention, access to results or status, and correct billing charges.
• Verify and release results, generate written reports, review printed reports, and correct or amend erroneous reports according to procedure.
• Respond to information requests under confidentiality and release-of-information protocols, escalating unresolved inquiries as needed.
• Store documents and records according to protocol; perform billing or enter credits when applicable and escalate billing problems.
• Follow standard operating procedures and safety requirements, use equipment and computers appropriately, complete required quality-system responsibilities, and meet departmental competency standards.
• Participate in training new employees and students and perform operational review of new procedures.
• Attend at least one personal development session per year and perform other duties as assigned or needed to maintain quality operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, use appropriate personal protective equipment, answer telephones using NMH etiquette, maintain patient confidentiality, and assist patients and other contacts as needed.

Benefits

• Northwestern Medicine describes a wide range of benefits supporting employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being; detailed benefits information is available through the company benefits page.
• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness are mentioned in the company description.
• 401(k) matching is mentioned in the company description.

What This Job Offers

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