Cytogenetic Technologist (CG ASCP)

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Cytogenetic Technologist to join a specialized clinical laboratory performing chromosome and molecular cytogenetic testing. This role is responsible for specimen processing, chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), karyotyping, quality control, and validation activities that support the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders and hematologic diseases. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with chromosome analysis, FISH testing, and cytogenetics laboratory workflows.

Assignment Details

• Employment Type: Direct Hire

• Schedule: Full-Time

• Work Schedule:

  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Monday – Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

• Holidays: Rotating

Key Responsibilities

Cytogenetic Testing

• Perform specimen setup, cell culture, harvesting, slide preparation, staining, and chromosome analysis.

• Conduct chromosome analysis on blood, bone marrow, and tissue specimens.

• Perform Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) processing, analysis, and interpretation.

• Prepare and analyze karyotypes using automated and manual cytogenetic techniques.

• Evaluate chromosome morphology and identify chromosomal abnormalities, including mosaicism.

• Capture and document microscopic images for diagnostic interpretation.

Laboratory Operations

• Establish, maintain, and monitor cell cultures for various specimen types.

• Monitor culture growth and determine appropriate feeding, subculturing, and harvesting schedules.

• Perform a variety of chromosome banding techniques, including:

  • G-banding

  • Q-banding

  • R-banding

  • C-banding

  • NOR staining

• Maintain specimen integrity throughout all phases of laboratory testing.

Quality Assurance & Validation

• Perform quality control procedures for laboratory equipment and testing processes.

• Monitor incubators, CO systems, liquid nitrogen storage, and laboratory environmental conditions.

• Participate in validation studies for new laboratory tests and procedures.

• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and utilize the Laboratory Information System (LIS) effectively.

• Report quality or patient safety concerns promptly to laboratory leadership.

Professional Responsibilities

• Assist with inventory management and laboratory supply maintenance.

• Participate in continuing education and remain current with advances in cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics.

• Support onboarding and training of new laboratory personnel.

• Contribute to laboratory process improvement and quality initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in one of the following:

• Life Sciences

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Related scientific discipline

Certification

One of the following certifications is required:

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG ASCP) or equivalent

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS ASCP) or equivalent (when applicable to the role)

Experience

• Clinical experience performing chromosome analysis on blood and bone marrow specimens.

• Experience performing FISH analysis.

• Experience with cytogenetics wet bench procedures and laboratory workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in:

  • Chromosome analysis

  • Bone marrow cytogenetics

  • Peripheral blood chromosome analysis

  • FISH testing

  • Cytogenetic specimen processing

• Experience with automated karyotyping systems.

• Knowledge of laboratory validation studies and quality management systems.

• Experience working in a high-volume clinical cytogenetics laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of cytogenetic laboratory principles and chromosome analysis.

• Proficiency in FISH methodologies and interpretation.

• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.

• Strong organizational and documentation abilities.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to maintain accuracy while working independently in a specialized laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods during microscopic analysis.

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods during specimen processing and harvesting.

• Manual dexterity required for precise laboratory procedures.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.

• Ability to work safely with biological specimens, laboratory chemicals, and specialized laboratory equipment while following all safety protocols.

Work Environment

This position is based in a specialized Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory supporting diagnostic testing for genetic and hematologic disorders. The laboratory utilizes advanced chromosome analysis and molecular cytogenetic techniques in a highly regulated environment where precision, quality, and attention to detail are essential.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• CG (ASCP) certification.

• Hands-on experience with FISH analysis.

• Clinical experience performing chromosome analysis on blood and bone marrow specimens.

• Strong cytogenetics wet bench experience, including cell culture, harvesting, slide preparation, staining, and karyotyping.

• Experience with laboratory quality control, validation studies, and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).

• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative laboratory environment.