Cytogenetics Technologist, Full-Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

22h

About The Position

The Cytogenetics Technologist performs cytogenetic testing and related laboratory workflows in accordance with Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. The role includes tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation and banding, microscope scanning, chromosome analysis, FISH analysis, DNA extraction and microarray-based analysis, and report drafting. The technologist independently operates and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and supports accurate, timely testing and reporting throughout the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows.

The position is responsible for handling orders and specimens, maintaining test-system integrity, performing quality control, interpreting results, troubleshooting issues, retaining specimens and records, and ensuring accurate billing. The technologist also follows safety and confidentiality requirements, contributes to quality operations, supports training, reviews new procedures, and provides service to patients and other contacts. The position is full-time and scheduled for days.

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 analysis, including tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation and banding, microscope scanning, chromosome analysis, FISH analysis, DNA extraction, microarray-based analysis, and report drafting.
• Independently operate laboratory instruments and troubleshoot as needed.
• Perform pre-analytic workflow tasks, including verifying and resolving orders, checking non-patient information, and ensuring specimens are appropriate, correctly processed, and transported.
• Collect, receive, evaluate, label-check, prioritize, process, and aliquot specimens; document unacceptable specimens and take corrective action as appropriate.
• Maintain test-system integrity by performing instrument and equipment preventive maintenance, checking reagents and supplies, monitoring inventory, and completing and evaluating required quality control.
• Prepare specimens for testing according to protocols and document sample preparation.
• Prioritize and perform testing within defined turnaround times; adapt workflow to STAT tests and changes in workload.
• Review, interpret, and visually identify test results as appropriate, including checking completeness, correctness, and consistency and correlating results with other patient data when necessary.
• Recognize test-system problems, take corrective action, escalate unresolved problems, 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.
• Perform post-analytic workflow tasks to ensure accurate and timely reporting, appropriate specimen retention, availability of results or status, and correct billing charges.
• Verify and release results, generate written reports, review printed reports, and amend or correct reports according to procedure.
• Respond to inquiries while following confidentiality and information-release protocols; store documents and records according to procedure.
• Perform billing and enter credits when applicable; identify and escalate billing problems.
• Follow standard operating procedures, equipment and computer protocols, downtime procedures, and required quality-system responsibilities.
• Meet department competency standards and participate in training new employees and students.
• Perform operational review of new procedures and attend at least one personal development session per year.
• Follow safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Answer telephones using NMH telephone etiquette, maintain patient confidentiality, and assist patients and other contacts as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed to ensure continued quality of operations.

Benefits

• Northwestern Medicine offers a range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection from unexpected life events.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Lifecycle benefits

What This Job Offers

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