Cytogenetic Technologist II

Cytogenetic Technologist II - Grand Rapids, MI, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; weekends as needed

Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours 
• Best-in-class well-being programs
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
• healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
• FinFit financial coaching and services
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities
• and so much more!

Performs difficult/complex tests requiring the exercise of independent judgment and responsibility in those sub-specialties in which they are qualified by education, training, and experience. 

• If job assignment includes tissue culture: accurately and efficiently perform tissue culture of assigned specimen types, including culture initiation, maintenance, harvest, slide preparation and staining for microscopic analysis. 
• If job assignment includes microscopic analysis: perform accurate microscopic/post-microscopic analyses of assigned specimen types, including preparing karyotypes using established cytogenetic laboratory procedures. 
• If job assignment includes molecular cytogenetics: accurately and efficiently perform FISH or array on assigned specimen types, including maintaining appropriate QC and maintenance records. Perform accurate analysis of FISH or array on assigned specimen types. 
• If job assignment includes fluorescence in situ hybridization: accurately and efficiently process assigned specimen types, including slide preparation, pretreatment, hybridization, post wash, and counterstain for microscopic analysis using appropriate quality control standards. Perform accurate microscopic/post-microscopic analyses of assigned specimen types meeting or exceeding established productivity and quality control standards. 
• Responsible for the more difficult/complex laboratory testing activities and review of work of other technologists. 
• Document and maintain tissue culture and/or microscopy analysis records completely and accurately. 
• Document chromosome or FISH abnormalities using correct ISCN nomenclature and best assessment of breakpoints. 
• Ensure accurate specimen processing/test results by strict adherence to testing methodology and quality standards. 
• Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients. 
• Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition. 
• Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate. 
• Assist in training of other laboratory personnel, students and fellows. 
• Assists in developing/ validating new procedures in order to improve quality, efficiency, or accuracy. Participates in research, development, and implementation of new testing methodologies/modifications.  
• Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA and laboratory safety requirements. 
• Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management. 
• Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed. 
• May be required, in the absence of a Supervisor, to assume lead responsibilities if qualified and delegated. 
• Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position. 

Required Work Experience:  

Minimum of four (4) years (3 years as a Cytogenetics Technologist) full-time experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory. 

A degree or certificate from an accredited Cytogenetics training program may be substituted for the year of experience. 

Preferred Work Experience:  

N/A 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance. 
• Microscopic analysis requires extended periods sitting at a microscope. 
• Tissue culture and wet lab areas require extended periods of standing, sitting at a biohazard hood, or pipetting. 
• FISH requires the ability to stand or sit for long periods possibly in a small darkroom environment. 
• Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time. 
• Frequent walking and/or standing. 
• May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity. 

Knowledge:  

• Comprehensive theoretical and operational knowledge of job assignment(s) in Cytogenetics. 
• Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures. 

Skills:  

• Requires manual dexterity and excellent pattern recognition skills. 
• Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency. 
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients. 
• Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients. 
• Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.