Cytologist - Per Diem

UCSF Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health is seeking a Senior Cytologist in San Francisco to supervise and train Hospital Laboratory Technicians while examining gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and FNA cytology specimens.

The role requires expertise in rapid interpretation, coordination with cytopathologists, accurate reporting, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards across multiple UCSF sites.

Qualifications

• ASCP Cytologist certification required.
• California licensure as Cytologist required.
• Thin Prep Certification eligible within one month of hire.
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required.

Responsibilities

• Microscopically examine gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and FNA cytology slides.
• Enter findings on CoPath C/S and submit abnormal specimens for review.
• Perform on-site smear preparation and rapid interpretation for immediate evaluation.
• Assist with ultrasound-guided FNAs and clinic-based procedures.
• Provide supervision and training to Hospital Laboratory Technicians.
• Compile data for departmental statistics and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and supply management across sites.

Skills

ASCP certified Cytologist

California licensure

Thin Prep Certification eligible

Education

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree

Job description

Job Description

Cytology is the specialized branch of pathology in which licensed Cytologists examine cells microscopically to detect changes indicative of infection or malignancy. The senior cytologist is expected to examine gynecological, non-gynecological and fine needle aspiration specimens and evaluate for the presence of inflammation, organisms, precancerous and cancerous conditions. In addition, the Senior Cytologist supervises and trains Hospital Laboratory Technicians as necessary or in the absence of the Cytology Lab Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Microscopically examine and mark gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and fine needle aspiration cytology slides according to departmental guidelines. Assess specimen adequacy and analyze cellular morphology for inflammatory, parasitic, precancerous, and cancerous changes.
• Issue timely and accurate reports for routine, normal gynecologic cytology cases. Enter all normal and abnormal findings on CoPath C/S according to departmental protocol. Submit abnormal, high risk, quality control, non-gynecologic and FNA specimens with relevant findings to the cytopathologists for review and final diagnosis.
• Perform on-site specimen preparation (smearing) and rapid interpretation of fine needle aspiration specimens for immediate microscopic evaluation. Record rapid microscopic interpretation of specimens for procedures performed in the FNA Clinic, the Department of Radiology, and other inpatient and outpatient settings at UCSF. Perform rapid interpretation of specimen adequacy with the assistance of the cytopathologists and independently, when necessary.
• Assist cytopathologists in the performance of FNA biopsy for ultrasound‑guided FNA procedures in the FNA Clinic. This includes preparation of the examination room for patients, entering patient data, assisting with patient positioning and comfort, preparing smears and performing immediate microscopic examination of specimens.
• Assist with palpation and ultrasound‑guided FNAs in inpatient settings at Parnassus and Mission Bay. This includes setting up, greeting/rooming patients, holding pressure, capturing images on ultrasound, transporting specimens and other tasks to facilitate efficient use of cytopathologist’s time.
• Perform other microscopic studies, as requested, including quantitative and qualitative evaluations to determine cyclical changes of endocrine therapy, detection of organisms and specific cell products by Pap and special stains.
• Receive specimens arriving in the Cytology Laboratory for evaluation. Ascertain specimen acceptability against established criteria. Provide timely follow‑up communication with appropriate individuals, departments, or offices when specimens are determined to be unacceptable due to lack of information, inappropriate packaging, or when specimens are inadequate.
• In the absence of the Hospital Laboratory Technician, process, stain and coverslip slides for microscopic study. Prepare body fluid and other non‑gynecologic specimens choosing appropriate processing and concentration techniques according to departmental protocol. Collate slides with appropriate paperwork (including previous patient records as required). Distribute slides to cytopathologists for final diagnosis.
• Record data required for workload statistics, quality control/quality assurance, licensure and accreditation agencies.
• Participate in proficiency testing programs, continuing education programs, teleconferences, internal case review and informal educational discussions.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, well‑functioning and clean working place by participating in equipment, facility and supply maintenance. Adhere to departmental and institutional safety policies and procedures.
• Manage supplies at both Mission Bay and Parnassus sites. Include transport and organization of all necessary materials to perform biopsies at both sites. Assure both sites run smoothly with prompt submission of specimens to Mission Bay cytopathology lab and prompt refilling of cytopathology slides to Mission Bay cytopathology area. Assist in obtaining prior slides from Mt Zion to Parnassus and Mission Bay sites.
• Rotate between multiple hospital sites as necessary.
• Senior cytologists are expected to train Hospital Laboratory Technicians and provide general supervision to Hospital Laboratory Technicians as necessary.
• Senior cytologists will compile data on clinical cases for departmental statistics and regulatory agency requirements.
• TUG: Consistent with training, UCSF Medical Center Policies, and the TUGs Operations Manual, receives TUGs; removes, distributes and/or places contents in appropriate storage areas; cleans and disinfects TUGs; deploys TUGs; returns TUGs to appropriate holding areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Director or Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• ASCP certified as Cytologist
• State of California Department of Health Services Licensure as Cytologist
• Thin Prep Certification eligible within one month of hire
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree

Preferred Qualifications

• More than two years of experience as a Cytologist and more than five years of experience as a Senior Cytologist
• Experience in immediate evaluation of fine needle aspiration specimens of deep sites performed by radiologists
• Ability to confidently communicate with clinicians and patients during fine needle aspiration biopsy procedures.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• ASCP certified as Cytologist and Cytologist State of California of Health Services Licensure

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html