Identifies and documents numerical and structural chromosome
abnormalities, variants, mosaicism, and complex or unusual findings
in accordance with laboratory procedures and current ISCN
nomenclature.
Prepares high-quality digitized karyotypes using computerized
imaging systems and ensures representative cells and findings are
appropriately documented.
Correlates chromosome findings with FISH, chromosomal
microarray, and other available cytogenomic results, as
applicable.
Prepares case summaries, standardized interpretations, and
supporting documentation for technical and Laboratory Director
review.
Identifies cases requiring additional analysis, FISH analysis,
parental testing, CMA testing, or other follow-up and escalates
complex or discrepant findings as appropriate.
Participates in proficiency testing and quality activities
related to constitutional chromosome analysis.
Technical Case Review and Interpretation – 25%
- Performs technical review of completed constitutional
chromosome analyses and karyotypes, as authorized based on position
level, training, and demonstrated competency.
- Reviews cases for analytical accuracy, completeness,
appropriate cell selection, documentation, and correct application
of ISCN nomenclature prior to Laboratory Director review.
- Evaluates complex and unusual findings and assists with
resolution of analytical discrepancies or review of cases requiring
additional workup.
- At the Principal level, provides advanced technical
review and consultation for highly complex cases, supports
standardization of analytical and interpretive practices, and
assists with resolution of difficult or discrepant findings.
Sample Processing and Preparation for constitutional chromosome
analysis – 15%
- Performs specimen processing for constitutional chromosome
analysis, including initiation, maintenance, and harvest of cell
cultures and preparation of high-quality metaphase cell chromosome
slides. Performs specimen processing for FISH and chromosomal
microarray (CMA) testing, including DNA extraction, as needed, to
support laboratory operations.
- Selects and performs appropriate specimen processing
methodologies and techniques to produce high-quality cytogenetic
and molecular preparations that meet established laboratory quality
standards.
- Contributes to quality control, quality assurance, process
improvement, and troubleshooting activities. Recognizes, resolves
when appropriate, and communicates processing deviations, equipment
malfunctions, or other issues affecting testing quality or
workflow.
- Maintains proficiency in sterile technique, cell culture, DNA
extraction, laboratory instrumentation, laboratory information
systems, and the safe handling and disposal of biohazardous
materials and hazardous chemicals.
- Participates in the validation, implementation, and
optimization of new cytogenomic testing methodologies, laboratory
procedures, equipment and instrumentation, and reagents, as
assigned.
Participates in orientation and training – 10%
- Assists with the orientation and training of new employees,
genetics students, residents, fellows, and other healthcare
professionals in constitutional chromosome analysis, wet laboratory
processing, and established laboratory procedures to promote
competency, consistency, and compliance with laboratory
standards.
- Provides guidance and technical support to less experienced
staff, as appropriate for the position level.
Work Location:
Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in
Aurora, CO. Eligible duties may be performed remotely based on
operational needs and Manager approval.
Why Join Us:
Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown
substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in
parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital based
affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver. Our work is
value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong
learning and a balance of personal and professional values. In
addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with
25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous
graduate school and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of
Medicine.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday,
vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an
excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross
pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 15/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all
CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the
CU Advantage .
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Senior Professional:
- Bachelor's degree in biological science, nutrition, nursing,
health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a
directly related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in clinical
cytogenetics, including constitutional chromosome analysis.
- ASCP certification in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP), or equivalent
certification.
Principal Professional
- Bachelor's degree in biological science, nutrition, nursing,
health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a
directly related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in clinical
cytogenetics, including substantial experience in constitutional
chromosome analysis and technical case review.
- ASCP certification in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP), or equivalent
certification.
An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for
experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of
study directly related to the work assignment.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of
hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a clinical cytogenetics laboratory.
- Demonstrated experience performing chromosome analysis,
karyotyping, and interpretation of constitutional cytogenetic
abnormalities using current ISCN nomenclature.
- Experience performing technical case review and providing
guidance to other chromosome analysts.
- Experience with fluorescence in situ hybridization
(FISH) and/or chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing and correlation
of results across cytogenomic methodologies.
- Experience with cell culture techniques.
- Experience processing a variety of constitutional specimen
types, including peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus
samples, products of conception, and tissue.
- Experience evaluating specimen, culture, and chromosome
preparation quality and troubleshooting technical or processing
issues.
Conditions of Employment:
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United
States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work
visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now
or in the future.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following
document(s):
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Three to five professional references, including name, address,
phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email
address
Questions should be directed to: Hala Nijmeh at
Hala.Nijmeh@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but
preference will be given to complete applications received
by
September 15, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or
may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (
or hiring range) for this
position has been established as:
Senior: $74,563 to $94,845
Principal: $85,748 to $114,902
The above salary range (
or hiring range) represents the
University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of
possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be
eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck.
The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans
and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants
with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To
request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with
Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA
Coordinator at
hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu
.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe
and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and
visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background
investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19
virus and other
vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer
in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated
hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be
required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance
policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or
volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain
research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you
must enroll in the
occupational health medical surveillance program .