Cytotechnologist - Days

MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 78,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Referral bonus available

Job summary

MD Anderson Cancer Center's Cytopathology department seeks a Cytotechnologist to evaluate patient specimens, perform advanced cytology procedures, and help deliver timely diagnostic results that inform cancer care.

The on-site role at our Houston campus involves gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology, FNA preparation, cell block work, staining, quality control, and training opportunities with a focus on accuracy and patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related science field is required.
• CT - Cytotechnologist certification by ASCP upon hire.
• Work experience: none required.

Responsibilities

• Accession and process Cytology specimens according to procedures and triage FNA samples as needed.
• Perform advanced cytology procedures including cell block prep and staining.
• Accurately document diagnoses in the pathology database and participate in quality control activities.
• Support interlaboratory slide reviews and contribute to teaching and process-improvement initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physiology) OR CAHEA-approved program

Job description

Join MD Anderson's Cytopathology department as a Cytotechnologist and put your specialized diagnostic expertise to work supporting cancer care. At one of the world's leading cancer centers, you'll evaluate patient specimens, perform advanced cytology procedures, and help deliver accurate, timely diagnostic results that inform clinical decision-making and support the teams caring for our patients.

What's in it for you? You'll work with a wide range of cytology specimens and advanced laboratory techniques, including microscopic evaluation of non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration (FNA) preparations, cell block preparation, cell transfer, and density gradient preparation for lymphoma marker studies. You'll also evaluate GMS and iron staining used to identify cellular tissues and pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens. At Main Campus, responsibilities also include gynecologic cytology evaluation and annual proficiency testing for gynecologic screening.

You'll play an essential role in maintaining the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of laboratory operations. From accessioning and processing specimens to documenting diagnoses in the pathology database, evaluating specimen integrity, and completing quality control and quality assurance activities, your attention to detail will help uphold rigorous laboratory standards. You'll also participate in interlaboratory slide reviews, process improvement initiatives, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance while developing your troubleshooting skills and helping maintain accurate laboratory records.

Beyond your technical responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to contribute to the growth of the cytology team by assisting with microscopy seminars and presentations for cytology students and participating in special projects. The role also includes participation in designated Main Campus rotations, including on-call coverage for after-hours STAT specimens and procedures requiring immediate assessment. MD Anderson offers competitive pay, an annual merit increase program, annual incentive opportunities, an employer-funded pension contribution, medical, dental and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Bring your diagnostic expertise, technical precision, and commitment to quality to a Cytopathology team where your work helps support the accurate results behind exceptional cancer care.

The hours for this position are 8:30am - 5pm. The ideal candidate will be CT ASCP certified

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Performs all laboratory testing specific to assigned area

• Accessions and processes all Cytology specimens according to established procedures, assuring proper identification of specimens at all times; assists in procurement and triage of FNA samples as well as participates in all Cytology main campus rotations including the on-call coverage for after-hour STAT specimens and procedures with immediate assessment.
• Performs advanced technical procedures such as cell block preparations, cell transfer and density gradient preparations for lymphoma marker studies, as well as evaluating GMS and Iron staining used for identification of cellular tissues and pathogens on BAL specimens.
• Prepares reagents following precise instructions, sets up the stain hood daily, and assists with equipment maintenance

Provides accurate assessment of Cytology specimens in a timely manner

• Evaluates gyn (at Main Campus only), non-gyn and FNA preparations microscopically and renders accurate diagnoses; also, successfully completes annual proficiency testing for Gyn screening.
• Accurately documents diagnosis in Pathology database system per established guidelines
• Remains knowledgeable of processes and pre-analytical procedures enabling efficient trouble shooting and problem solving

Generates appropriate QC data per guidelines

• Participates in interlaboratory slide review of non-gynecologic cytopathology slides as well as process improvement efforts
• Evaluates specimen integrity and notifies appropriate personnel of unacceptable specimens in accordance with departmental procedures
• Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance measures, maintaining neat, accurate and complete records according to established policies and procedures; assists in maintaining records for pre-analytical and post-analytical indicators

Development

• Assists in teaching cytology students in group microscopy seminars or presentations
• Assists with special projects as assigned

Education

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in a related science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physiology) OR graduation from a school of Exfoliative Cytology approved by the CAHEA (Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation)
• Note: Cytotechnologists registered before August 1988 did not need a Bachelor's degree.

Work Experience

• Required: None

Licenses and Certifications

• Required (upon hire): CT - Cytotechnologist, American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification

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: 183600
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 116,500
• 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