2nd shift-Cytology Prep Tech Lead

clinpathdiagnostics; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Clin-Path Associates in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Cytology Prep Technician Lead to supervise cytology workflows, provide daily technical guidance, and coordinate staff training to ensure high-quality laboratory performance.

The role emphasizes QA/QC, regulatory compliance, and process improvement while supporting staff development and operational continuity within the Cytology department.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher preferred in a relevant field.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain competency in all cytological processes and procedures within the laboratory.
• Provide departmental oversight and workflow coordination in the absence of the Histology Lab Manager.
• Perform validations of new equipment and testing for Cytology.
• Assist Histology Manager with oversight of departmental QA/QC.
• Assist with updating/maintaining Cytology Procedures.
• Assist with compliance of CAP, CLIA, HIPAA and OSHA.

Skills

Staff training

Workflow coordination

Cytology workflows

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Organizational skills

Education

Associate degree or higher preferred

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Hours: Monday-Friday 4:00pm-12:30am

Cytology Prep Technicians require expanded knowledge and understanding of laboratory techniques and the ability to perform technical tasks, as assigned, based on specific department needs.

Good reading, writing, and math abilities are required. Must be able to demonstrate good problem solving skills, highly developed interpersonal skills, and a high level of self-motivation.

This role functions as a technical lead within the cytology department, providing training, day-to-day workflow guidance, and operational support to ensure efficient, high-quality laboratory performance. The Cytology Prep Technician Lead supports staff development, assists with workflow prioritization, and serves as a resource to team members.

Employees are responsible for following all Company policies and procedures. These policies and procedures will include adherence to regulatory standards such as CAP, CLIA and OSHA, including safety standards in performing all aspects of the functions below.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain competency in all cytological processes and procedures within the laboratory
2. Provides departmental oversight and workflow coordination in the absence of the Histology Lab Manager, including supporting staff, prioritizing workload, and ensuring continuity of operations.
3. Performs validations of new equipment and testing for Cytology
4. Assists Histology Manager with oversight of departmental QA/QC
5. Assists with updating/maintaining Cytology Procedures
6. Assists with compliance of all regulatory requirements to include CAP, CLIA, HIPAA and OSHA
7. Communicate with Pathologist team regarding new processes and procedures as needed.
8. Responsible for troubleshooting and problem solving as needed
9. Develop, implement, and improve processes, while supporting staff adoption and adherence to new workflows
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC

• Receives and accession cytology specimens
• Cytology prep for thinprep and cellblock
• Provides day-to-day technical guidance and support to cytology staff to ensure workflow efficiency and quality outcomes
• Assists in training, onboarding, and competency development of new and existing employees
• Supports workflow coordination and prioritization to meet turnaround time expectations
• Serves as a resource to staff for troubleshooting technical and procedural questions
• Reinforces adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Supports daily workflow coordination within cytology to ensure efficient specimen processing and case readiness
• Maintains all cytology equipment
• Maintains equipment and supplies in clean condition, including transferring used regents from instruments to 90-day accumulation containers (55-gal drums)
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT

1. In exercising these functions the employee must be able to exert up to 40 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force routinely to move objects.
2. Employee may be exposed to blood products, knife cuts, hazardous waste and chemical fumes, so appropriate precautionary measures must be followed at all times. Certain situations require eye protection, mask, lab coat and or gloves. Hazardous Waste training required.
3. Must be able to perform repetitive motion

EQUIPMENT USED

1. Microwave and conventional tissue processors
2. Embedding center
3. Stainers, H and E, IHC and Thin-Prep
4. Coverslipper
5. Centrifuge
6. T-2000/T-5000
7. Typical lab equipment
8. Computer

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides functional oversight of cytology workflow and staff guidance. No direct reports.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or higher preferred
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant cytology, histology, or laboratory experience required
• Prior experience training staff or supporting workflow coordination preferred
• Strong understanding of cytology workflows and laboratory operations
• Ability to train and mentor staff
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve workflow issues
• Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and OSHA standards

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individuals and employee encounters while performing the duties of this job. Clin-Path provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and gender identity. Clin-Path complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Benefits

Clin-Path Associates offers nationally competitive compensation and benefits. Our benefitsprogram provides a comprehensive array of services to our employeesincluding, but not limited to health insurance (Primarily covered by the company),dental insurance (100% covered by the company) vision insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions (401k), & flexible spending account(FSA).