Cytogenetic Technologist I

Quest Diagnostics; Shelton (CT); On-site; USD 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics is seeking a Cytogenetic Technologist I in Shelton, CT. The role operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, performing tests requiring independent judgment in cytogenetics sub-specialties.

The position involves tissue culture, microscopic analysis, and molecular cytogenetics including FISH or array, with strict QC/documentation and compliance with CLIA/HIPAA/OSHA standards. Growth and opportunity with the company are emphasized.

Qualifications

• One year full-time experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science; provide transcript or credential eval as required.
• Current ASCP Certification in Cytogenetics (preferred).

Responsibilities

• If job assignment includes tissue culture: culture initiation, maintenance, harvest, slide prep and staining.
• If job assignment includes microscopic analysis: prepare karyotypes and perform analyses per procedures.
• If job assignment includes molecular cytogenetics: perform FISH or array analyses with QC records.
• If job assignment includes fluorescence in situ hybridization: process samples with prep, pretreatment, hybridization, post wash, and counterstain.
• Document and maintain tissue culture/microscopy records and ISCN nomenclature.
• Adhere to testing methodologies and quality standards.
• Maintain safe, clean lab areas and equipment.
• Complete training and competency checklists; assist trainer as needed.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Pattern recognition

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Communication skills

MS Office

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Science

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems

Job description

Job Description

Cytogenetic Technologist I - Shelton, CT, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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

Pay range

$30.75 - $40.74 / hour

Benefits Information

• 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
• Annual incentive plans
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities
• and so much more!

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• May assist supervisor with training of other laboratory personnel, students and fellows.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

One (1) year full-time experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory.

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

• Sound 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 to 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.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree Science. Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). United States educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript. (Required)

Licenses and Certifications

• Current ASCP Certification in Cytogenetics [ASCP-CG] (Preferred)

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.