Cytogenetic Scientist - Tues - Sat - Mid-Shift

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Referral bonus

Tuition benefits

Job summary

MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Cytogenetic Scientist to perform cytogenetic and FISH analyses, generate karyograms, and interpret ISCN nomenclature for both diploid and abnormal cases. You will review diagnoses, validate specimen integrity, and participate in validations and team discussions.

The role emphasizes high clinical impact, quality control, and collaboration within a busy cytogenetics lab at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cytogenetics or related science field.
• At least 1 year of clinical laboratory experience with a related science degree.
• Preferred CLSP(CG) certification by ASCP BOR.

Responsibilities

• Perform cytogenetic and/or FISH analysis of metaphase and interphase cells with accurate ISCN nomenclature.
• Generate karyograms and interpret results, acting as first reader for complex cases.
• Review patient diagnoses and correlate with cytogenetic results.
• Maintain specimen integrity, culture, harvest, and routine analysis; perform FISH and solid tumor processing as applicable.
• Ensure proficiency with laboratory computer systems and participate in QA/ QC activities.
• Attend sectional meetings and contribute to validations of new tests/instrumentation.

Skills

Cytogenetic Analysis

FISH Analysis

ISCN Nomenclature

First Reader

Karyogram Generation

Lab Computer Systems

Teamwork

Quality Control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cytogenetics or related science

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Requisition ID: 183364
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 67,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 100,000
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes