"Cytogenetic Technologist"

Job Summary

The UW Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory is hiring a Cytogenetic Technologist to join our team. The Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Services laboratory is located within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) and UW School of Medicine and Public Health on the University of Wisconsin Campus. This section is a full-service cytogenetics and molecular genetics laboratory processing prenatal, constitutional and oncology specimens for chromosome and molecular cytogenetic analyses as well as a wide range of molecular genetic assays. Our laboratory is certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and is active participant of the NCI-sponsored Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

This position includes a primary role in the cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) section. Duties in this area are performed under general supervision and include culture harvest and slide preparation from a wide range of tissue/specimen types, and chromosome/FISH analysis (scope analysis, image processing, and results documentation using a variety of software packages). General responsibilities include communication with ordering providers and external laboratories for ordering information, participation in the development and validation of new procedures, writing standard operating procedures, monitoring QA/QC indicators, and general laboratory maintenance activities. Future opportunities to train in molecular cytogenetic applications (clinical and/or research) are available. Opportunities for continuing education are also available.

Additional Information

• Day hours (8:15-5:00 p.m.)
• Weekend and holiday rotations, as needed
• Percent of time spent on various work activities is based on laboratory needs and is at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Must be able to visually distinguish colors

Key Job Responsibilities

• Identifies opportunities for laboratory improvement and develops new protocols and procedures - 5%
• Communicates effectively with ordering providers and external laboratories to obtain, clarify, and verify test ordering information, ensuring accurate and complete case documentation - 15%
• Performs culture, harvest, slide making, microscopy, and image capturing procedures for chromosome and/or FISH analysis on specimens from a wide range of tissue types - 45%
• Assists with the development and facilitation of continuing education activities, research projects, and trainings for various audiences - 5%
• Performs chromosome and/or fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis - 25%
• Performs established and defined quality improvement and quality control activities - 5%

Department

WSLH - Disease Prevention Division - Cytogenetics

Compensation

$52,000/year minimum (Depending on qualifications)

Required Qualifications

Laboratory experience is required (includes college coursework), with preference given to clinical laboratory experience. Other relevant work experience and skills include:

• Knowledge of good laboratory technique, such as weighting and preparation of solutions and media.
• Knowledge of sterile technique.
• Knowledge and use of bright field and florescence microscope.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for biohazards and chemicals.
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and regulations.
• Effective team skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to visually distinguish colors. A successful color vision screening test is required prior to an offer of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is preferred. An official (or copy of an official) transcript will be required prior to an offer of employment. For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. is required. The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, is required.

How to Apply

To begin the application process please click on the "" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV AND cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

Contact Information

Please reach out to Dan Makovec at daniel.makovec@slh.wisc.edu with any questions.