Clinical Technologist 1, Cytogenetics

Yale University; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale University’s Genetics division is seeking a Clinical Technologist 1 to perform cytogenetic testing in a high-volume laboratory. You will handle specimen processing, culture setup, harvesting, slide preparation, banding, and metaphase analysis.

The role requires working Tue–Sat, full-time 37.5 hours with potential early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays in rotation. Comprehensive training and strict safety protocols apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field or equivalent training.
• Experience in cytogenetics or lab setting is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and process clinical specimens; ensure accurate identification, labeling, and documentation throughout the workflow.
• Set up, maintain, and monitor cell cultures for multiple specimen types; evaluate culture quality and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform harvesting procedures and banding techniques according to SOPs.
• Perform microscopic scanning to identify metaphase spreads and assess preparation quality.
• Select and karyotype metaphase spreads using licensed imaging systems.
• Perform comprehensive chromosome analysis including scoring of cells for abnormalities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Cytogenetics techniques

Microscopy

LIMS/WIS

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Yale School of Medicine educates leaders in medicine and science, fostering curiosity and critical inquiry. It is a global leader in biomedical research, clinical care, and medical education. With more than 1,900 physicians, Yale provides compassionate care to patients worldwide.

Yale School of Medicine - Genetics is looking for a Clinical Technologist 1 to join their team. The Clinical Technologist 1 performs clinical chromosome (karyotype) studies in a high-volume, CLIA-certified Cytogenetics laboratory environment. Responsible for the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic technical components of cytogenetic testing, including specimen processing, culture setup, harvesting, slide preparation, banding, and microscopic evaluation of metaphase spreads. Works with a variety of specimen types—peripheral blood, bone marrow, chorionic villi (CVS), amniotic fluid, solid tissues/biopsies, and other validated sources—while maintaining meticulous documentation, sample traceability, and strict adherence to laboratory safety and quality practices. May perform other duties as assigned.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The shift for this position is Tuesday - Saturday. Full-time, 37.5 hrs., 8:30 AM – 5PM. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays may be required in rotation. Recess period required.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and process clinical specimens; ensure accurate identification, labeling, and documentation throughout the workflow.
• Set up, maintain, and monitor cell cultures (as applicable) for multiple specimen types; evaluate culture quality and initiate appropriate corrective actions within established procedures.
• Perform harvesting procedures (e.g., mitotic arrest, hypotonic treatment, fixation), prepare slides, and conduct banding techniques (e.g., G-banding) according to laboratory SOPs.
• Perform microscopic scanning to identify metaphase spreads; assess preparation quality (mitotic index, banding resolution, spread quality).
• Select, capture, and karyotype metaphase spreads using laboratory-approved imaging systems.
• Perform comprehensive chromosome analysis, including analysis, counting, and scoring of cells for both constitutional and acquired abnormalities; escape atypical/abnormal findings per protocol.
• Maintain tissue culture and general laboratory areas (reagent preparation, cleaning, monitoring, supply inventory) and document all required steps in worksheets/LIMS.
• Conduct routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting (incubators, centrifuges, water baths, microscopes, imaging systems) and document maintenance and corrective actions.
• Adhere to all laboratory quality, biosafety, and biochemical protocols in accordance with EHS, CLIA and CAP guidelines, ensuring strict compliance with contamination control, biohazard safety, and clinical material disposal.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying workflow issues, assisting with updates to procedures, and supporting training/competency efforts as assigned.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Highly motivated self-starter with strong organization and time management; able to prioritize multiple specimens/cultures, maintain sample traceability, and meet turnaround goals with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail and pattern recognition; able to assess metaphase quality, banding resolution, and slide adequacy; recognizes atypical patterns and escalates per protocol.
• Strong tissue culture skills and aseptic technique; proficient with specimen setup, culture monitoring, harvesting, fixation, and slide preparation following SOPs and contamination control practices.
• Clear written/verbal communication and teamwork; completes accurate documentation in worksheets/LIMS, reports specimen/culture issues promptly, and supports QC, safety, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills And Abilities

• ASCP Cytogenetics (CG) certified or eligible for certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field (or equivalent) and formal coursework/practicum in Cytogenetics and/or Genetics.
• One year of experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory.
• Experience with microscopic analysis of G-banded chromosomes and chromosome preparation from a variety of specimen types, including amniotic fluid, CVS, peripheral blood, bone marrow, tissue cultures, and solid tumors.

Principal Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory tests and procedures in such areas as histology, medical technology, cytology, and cytogenetics. Records results. Interprets results of tests and procedures. Makes preliminary analyses of results. 2. Sets up, operates and maintains laboratory equipment. Instructs support staff on laboratory techniques. 3. Prepares specimens, tissue, bodily fluid samples, and other matter for analysis and diagnosis using non-routine laboratory techniques. 4. Stains and mounts slides; prepares solutions and media; and cultures tissues. 5. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. Performs additional functions incidental to laboratory activities. Required Education and Experience Four years of related work experience, two of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or two years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

08/24/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Hourly Range

$0.00 - $0.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.