Genetics Technologist II

Florida Cancer Specialists

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, we believe our people are our strength and we invest in them. In addition to having a positive impact on the people and communities we serve, associates benefit from significant professional opportunities, career advancement, training and competitive wages. Offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages to include tuition reimbursement, 401-K match, pet and legal insurance. A LITTLE BIT ABOUT FCS Since 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for excellence. With over 250 physicians, 220 nurse practitioners and physician assistants and nearly 100 locations in our network. Utilizing innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care. We are recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, FCS offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. Our patients have access to ground-breaking therapies, in a community setting, and may participate in national clinical research studies of drugs and treatment protocols. In the past five years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation prior to approval. Through our partnership with Sarah Cannon, we are one of the largest clinical research organizations in the United States. Often, FCS leads the nation in initiating research studies and offering ground-breaking new therapies to patients. Come join us today! Summary: Schedule: Sun – Thurs or Tues – Sat, Day shift Works independently with general supervision, demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of lab test menu and analyses, established and productive contributor of the following procedures: culture initiation, harvest, metaphase and interphase slide prep, and G-banding of bone marrow and peripheral blood specimens, performs computer-assisted and manual analysis of chromosomes for the detection of abnormalities; performs FISH processing and analysis using automated software; operates and maintains laboratory equipment needed to perform daily duties; performs daily QA/QC tasks, assists with training new employees and trainees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular or related field
ASCP certification required
State of Florida Clinical Laboratory Technologist license in the area pertinent to the testing being performed
Minimum 3 years of related experience in a clinical laboratory is required
Analysis & Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills including solid problem solving, analysis, decision-making, planning, time management and organizational skills. Must be detailed oriented with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developed interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, diplomacy, tact, conflict management, delegation skills, and diversity awareness. Ability to work effectively with sensitive and confidential material and sometimes emotionally charged matters.
Communication Skills: Effective communication skills (oral, written, presentation), is an active listener, and effectively provides balanced feedback.
Customer Service & Organizational Awareness: Strong customer focus. Ability to build an engaging culture of quality, performance effectiveness and operational excellence through best practices, strong business and political acumen, collaboration, and partnerships, as well as a positive employee, physician, and community relations.
Self-Management: Effectively manages own time, conflicting priorities, self, stress, and professional development. Self-motivated and self-starter with ability work independently with limited supervision. Ability to effectively work remotely as required. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-site environment with demonstrated ability to juggle competing priorities and demands from a variety of stakeholders and sites.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook required

Responsibilities

Performs Cytogenetic and FISH lab processes of bone marrow and peripheral blood specimens
Practices universal precautions for the handling of body fluids
Prepares reagents, stains, and media in accordance with laboratory protocol
Observes principles of sterile technique in carrying out daily responsibilities including the proper cleaning and decontamination of work surfaces, equipment, and instruments
Maintains all company equipment in a safe and working order
Monitors daily QC readings of equipment
Performs culture initiation, harvesting, slide preparation, and G-banding for Cytogenetic analysis
Assists in maintaining an adequate stock of commonly used supplies
Keeps work area and records in a neat and orderly manner
Direct harvesting of bone marrow and peripheral blood hematologic specimens for FISH analysis
Slide preparation of interphase nuclei
Applies probe, denaturing and hybridizing of FISH slides
Post washes FISH slides
Analyzes G-banded metaphase spreads using ASI automated imaging system; Performs automated FISH analysis using MetaSystems software
Required to analyze at least 8 half Cytogenetic cases within an 8 hr. workday when no other tasks assigned
Perform analysis with 98% accuracy
Loads and unloads G-banded slides and capture metaphases using the ASI automated capturing system
Loads and unloads slides on the automated FISH scanner for capturing of interphase cells
Analyzes heme suspension probe sets (including but not limited to BCR/ABL, AML panel, CLL panel, MDS panel, and MM panel) using MetaSystems FISH automated imaging system
Analyzes both heme suspension and tissues manually using fluorescence microscope
Ensures proper equipment maintenance, orders, and receives reagents, validates new lots/shipments of reagents/probes, ensures proper documentation on forms
Participates in performing validations, quality control evaluation, writing procedures, troubleshooting equipment and procedures, and performance improvement
Assists in identifying ways in which laboratory procedures and activities can be modified to improve upon current methodologies
Participates in the development and/or maintenance of SOPs and master forms as required
Participates in CAP proficiency surveys twice a year
Assists in the training of new employees and trainees in accordance with department protocols and company guidelines
Maintains and always ensures the confidentiality of all patient and employee information
Complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to patient care, patient rights, safety, billing, human resources, and collections.
Adhere to all Company and departmental policies and procedures, including IT policies and procedures and Disaster Recovery Plan
Complies with quality control policies and procedures to ensure that all aspects of laboratory operations are performed in accordance with accepted standards and applicable laws for clinical laboratories
Attends in-services, reads professional literature, and participates in educational programs and activities to remain abreast of developments in the field of Genetics
Assists with additional tasks as needed to support the team

Benefits

Offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages to include tuition reimbursement, 401-K match, pet and legal insurance.
Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
Vision & Dental Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Time Off (PTO)
401(k) Retirement Plan
Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Disability Insurance
Accident Insurance
Critical Illness
Hospital Indemnity
Pet Insurance
Identity Theft
Legal Insurance