Cytogenetic Scientist - Tues - Sat - Mid-Shift

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 67,000 - 100,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid medical benefits

Generous paid time off

Retirement plans

Tuition benefits

Educational opportunities

Referral bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Cytogenetic Scientist to perform detailed cytogenetic and FISH analyses, generate karyograms, and interpret results using ISCN nomenclature. The candidate serves as a first reader for complex cases and correlates findings with diagnoses.

You will evaluate specimen integrity, conduct tissue culture, harvesting, banding, and solid tumor processing, while maintaining proficiency in laboratory computer systems and reporting.

Qualifications

Detailed cytogenetic and/or FISH analysis of metaphase/interphase cells with ISCN nomenclature.
First reader for complex cases, correlating findings with patient diagnoses.
Evaluate specimen integrity and perform tissue culture, harvesting, banding, routine analysis, and FISH procedures.

Responsibilities

Organize workflow to meet productivity goals within the section.
Participate in validation of new tests/instruments.
Adhere to safety, regulatory mandates, and quality control procedures.
Perform daily QC and maintain equipment.

Skills

Cytogenetics

FISH Analysis

ISCN Nomenclature

Tissue Culture

Quality Control

Education

Bachelor's Degree Related science field or Cytogenetic Technology

Job description

The Cytogenetics Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a vital role in the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors through chromosome analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing. Operating in a high-complexity clinical environment, the laboratory provides precise cytogenetic interpretation that directly informs prognosis, risk stratification, and treatment decisions for oncology patients.

As a Cytogenetic Scientist, you will perform detailed cytogenetic and/or FISH analysis of metaphase and interphase cells, generating accurate karyograms and interpreting results using ISCN nomenclature for both diploid and abnormal cases. You will serve as a first reader for complex cases, applying advanced knowledge to identify chromosomal abnormalities and correlate findings with patient diagnoses and prior cytogenetic results. Your expertise will support comprehensive evaluation and meaningful clinical interpretation.

In this role, you will independently evaluate specimen integrity and perform tissue culture, harvesting, banding, routine chromosome analysis, FISH procedures, and solid tumor processing as applicable. Maintaining technical precision and analytical judgment is essential, as is proficiency in laboratory computer systems used for documentation and reporting. You will actively participate in departmental meetings, case discussions, and in-services to remain current with evolving cytogenetic methodologies and standards.

You will organize and prioritize workflow to meet section productivity goals while working both independently and collaboratively within the laboratory team. Participation in validation of new tests and instrumentation ensures the laboratory remains aligned with emerging technologies and clinical needs.

Quality and regulatory compliance are central to this position. You will maintain competency in all laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols; perform daily quality control; ensure proper equipment maintenance; adhere to safety standards; and follow inventory control processes to support efficient operations. All testing activities must comply with applicable regulatory mandates and accreditation requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute advanced cytogenetic expertise within a mission-driven cancer center dedicated to precision oncology and scientific excellence.

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, supporting professional growth, long-term career development, and work-life balance.

The hours for this position are Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7:30pm. The ideal candidate will be CG ASCP certified

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

1. Technical Skills

Performs accurate cytogenetic and/or FISH analysis of metaphase or interphase cells, with accurate karyograms and ISCN nomenclature for diploid and common abnormalities, performs accurate analysis as the first reader for complex cases.
Able to review patient diagnoses and apply them to common cytogenetic results, review previous cytogenetic results, correlate them, apply knowledge of differential values and apply them to common cytogenetic results.
Evaluates specimen integrity and independently performs tissue culture, harvesting, banding, routine analysis, FISH procedures and solid tumor processes as applicable.
Maintains proficiency in all computer functions.
Attends/participates in sectional and team in-services and meetings.

2. Productivity, Communication and Teamwork

Adjusts, prioritizes, and organizes work to achieve productivity goals to meet the demands of the section.
Adheres to attendance policy, meals and breaks policy.
Works independently and also, when necessary, within the team, utilizes resources available to maximize efficiency.
Participates in validation of new tests and/or instruments when necessary.
Other duties as required.

3. Quality Commitment and Enhancement

Remains knowledgeable and competent in all policies, procedures, and protocols.
Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates.
Follows section's inventory control system to assure effective use of supplies and reagents.
Performs all testing in compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
Performs daily QC.
Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's Degree Related science field or Cytogenetic Technology

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: 1 year Clinical laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree in a related science field.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred: CLSP(CG) - Clin Lab Spec-Cytogenics Certification as a Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics (CLSp(CG)) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologist Board of Registry (BOR).
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information