Cytogenetics Technician

RWJBarnabas Health; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health seeks a Cytogenetics Technician to perform routine cytogenetic analyses, including tissue culture, G-banding, and karyotyping, across diverse specimens. You will analyze oncology and hematology samples and execute advanced methods like FISH and chromosome analysis.

The role emphasizes strict quality control, documentation, and collaboration with the lab team to ensure accurate genetic results and compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cytogenetic Technology, Biology, or a related field required.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a cytogenetics laboratory required.
• Ability to distinguish colors (red/green) for accurate results.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cytogenetic procedures including tissue culture, slide making, G-banding, and automated karyotyping across blood, bone marrow, and tissue specimens.
• Analyze oncology and hematology specimens as the primary focus of laboratory diagnostics.
• Execute advanced cytogenetic methods such as complex chromosome analysis, cell separation, and FISH testing and probe validation.
• Maintain quality control documentation and support regulatory inspections.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Data privacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cytogenetic Technology, Biology, or a related scientific field

Tools

FISH testing

G-banding

Karyotyping

Chromosome analysis

Cell separation

Job description

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Cytogenetics Technician – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Cytogenetics Technicians become part of a purpose-driven environment where compassion, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care create meaningful opportunities to support medical diagnostic services. This Cytogenetics Technician role offers opportunities for professional growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a culture committed to quality, evidence-based laboratory practices, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor or Director, you will play an essential role in performing advanced chromosomal analysis and evaluating critical genetic results. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Cytogenetics Technician is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact on our patient community.

A typical day for a Cytogenetics Technician may include:

• Performing routine cytogenetic procedures including tissue culture, slide making, G-banding, and automated karyotyping across blood, bone marrow, and normal or neoplastic tissue specimens.
• Analyze oncology and hematology specimens as the primary focus of laboratory diagnostics.
• Executing advanced cytogenetic methods such as complex chromosome analysis, cell separation, and all technical aspects of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH).
• Focusing on precise FISH analysis to evaluate genetic configurations.
• Maintaining strict quality control standards by documenting the daily performance of reagents and laboratory equipment, validating FISH probes, and evaluating the overall acceptability of results.
• Troubleshooting laboratory procedures independently or by instruction, while actively evaluating and recommending method modifications for continuous improvement.
• Managing essential administrative workflows including compiling patient worksheets, maintaining quality control records, archiving procedure trials, and participating in the laboratory's Performance Improvement Plan.
• Supporting operational excellence by assisting in the comprehensive training of clinical staff and preparing the department for regulatory inspections.
• Adhering fully to RWJBH Organizational competencies and exceptional corporate standards of behavior in all daily clinical interactions.

This role might be for you if:

• Compassion and empathy guide your interactions with patients, families, and your clinical laboratory colleagues.
• You are passionate about supporting individuals by protecting accurate diagnostic paths and ensuring precise genetic testing workflows.
• Strong organizational and workflow coordination skills allow you to properly prioritize complex specimen workloads to meet strict laboratory deadlines.
• You communicate confidently and collaborate effectively with external hospital departments, medical staff, and laboratory personnel.
• You enjoy executing precise instructions within a technical environment while upholding exceptional professional standards and safety rules.
• You are comfortable working with complex information networks and possess excellent computer skills to navigate modern healthcare databases.
• Adaptability allows you to confidently handle biohazard specimens, utilize the International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN), and navigate shifting priorities in a dynamic healthcare facility.
• Continuous learning, strict safety compliance, and professional development within an acute care laboratory framework are important to you.

To be considered for this Cytogenetics Technician opportunity, you will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Cytogenetic Technology, Biology, or a related scientific field required.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a cytogenetics laboratory is required.
• Normal color vision, as our specialized analysis relies heavily on distinguishing specific colors (red and green) to accurately read test results.
• Proven competence in routine cytogenetic processing, metaphase chromosome harvesting, G-banding, and automated karyotyping.
• Advanced technical proficiency in complex chromosome analysis, cell separation techniques, and comprehensive FISH testing and probe validation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to work independently to resolve technical variances and evaluate method improvements.
• Effective organizational and communication skills, with the ability to express operational details clearly and professionally on patient worksheets and administrative records.
• Proven ability and willingness to maintain a strict level of data privacy and confidentiality regarding sensitive medical records.
• Scheduling Requirements: Hours: Full-time, Day shift (40 hours/week), Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Rotating on-call weekend coverage and occasional holiday required.