Lead Cytotechnologist

RIH Rhode Island Hospital; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 91,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health’s Cytology Laboratory in Providence, RI seeks a capable supervisor to oversee daily operations, ensure accurate and timely processing of gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, and support staff with guidance and troubleshooting.

The role emphasizes regulatory compliance (CLIA, CAP, OSHA), quality assurance programs, staff development, workflow optimization, and collaboration with pathologists and clinicians to maintain high patient care standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences; cytotechnology internship completed; ASCP cytology certification or eligible.
• Minimum 5 years in a lab setting; supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to lead, coordinate staff, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations of the Cytology Laboratory and ensures timely processing and evaluation of specimens.
• Performs routine and complex cytologic screening and serves as technical resource to staff.
• Manages staffing, scheduling, workflow coordination, and quality metrics.
• Ensures compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and accreditation standards.
• Develops and maintains quality assurance and continuous process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Quality assurance

Process improvement

Regulatory compliance

Education

Baccalaureate degree in biological sciences

Cytotechnology internship

ASCP Cytology certification

Job description

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Pathology Manager and Medical Director, oversee the daily operations of the Cytology Laboratory to ensure efficient workflow, high-quality patient care, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Performs routine and complex cytologic evaluations while serving as a technical and operational resource for laboratory staff. Responsible for supervisory oversight including staffing, scheduling, workflow coordination, quality assurance, competency assessment, and implementation of departmental policies and procedures. Functions as a leader within the department by supporting staff development, process improvement initiatives, inspection readiness, and operational goals. Assumes responsibility for laboratory operations in the absence of the Pathology Manager. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition, our leaders will demonstrate an aptitude for: Ensure Accountability and Build Effective Teams Drive Vision and Purpose and Optimize Work Processes By applying core and leadership competencies, leaders help Brown University Health achieve its strategic goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Cytology Laboratory, ensuring the accurate and timely processing and evaluation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens.
• Performs routine and complex cytologic screening and maintains competency in all areas of cytology practice.
• Serves as a technical resource for laboratory personnel by providing guidance, troubleshooting, consultation, and resolution of operational and technical issues.
• Establishes workflow priorities and monitors laboratory operations to ensure optimal turnaround times, efficient service delivery, and appropriate utilization of laboratory resources.
• Monitors laboratory workload, productivity, turnaround time, and quality performance metrics; analyzes trends and implements process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and patient care.
• Assures compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, departmental policies and procedures, and accreditation standards.
• Develops, implements, and maintains quality assurance and quality control programs, including the review of laboratory quality indicators, statistics, proficiency testing, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance.
• Reviews, develops, updates, and implements laboratory policies, procedures, workflow improvements, and best practices to promote quality, efficiency, standardization, and patient safety.
• Participates in the evaluation, validation, verification, and implementation of new laboratory procedures, technologies, instrumentation, and techniques while supporting quality improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Oversees instrument performance, quality control, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of service activities to ensure the reliability and uninterrupted operation of laboratory equipment.
• Supervises cytology staff, including scheduling, staffing adjustments, performance evaluations, competency assessments, coaching, and disciplinary recommendations, as appropriate.
• Participates in recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, training, mentoring, and ongoing professional development of laboratory personnel, students, and residents, ensuring competency assessments and required documentation are completed and maintained.
• Collaborates with laboratory leadership, pathologists, clinicians, and other departments to support operational initiatives, workflow optimization, implementation of new technologies, and continuous process improvement.
• Participates in the preparation for regulatory inspections, accreditation surveys, and audits, maintains continuous survey readiness, and assists in the development and monitoring of corrective action plans.
• Promotes a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with laboratory safety policies, infection prevention practices, and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Assists with inventory management, reagent and supply utilization, and equipment planning to support efficient laboratory operations.
• May periodically contribute topics to professional journals, etc. presenting research and opinions within area of specialization.
• Regularly provides for the clinical education and experience of students and residents within area of specialization.
• May conduct formal classroom sessions to students and others presenting topics, analyses, technical background information, etc. from area of specialization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

EDUCATION

Baccalaureate degree in biologic sciences and successful completion of cytotechnology internship from an approved program. National certification (or eligible) in cytology by ASCP or equivalent. Advanced or Master’s degree work in area of specialization is desired but specialized knowledge can also be obtained through equivalent work experience.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of laboratory experience and prefer 5 years of supervisory experience in laboratory setting. Must possess keen perceptual ability. Able to function as part of a team, which includes physicians, surgeons, nurses, therapists and other specialists to assure a high quality of patient care. Microscopic work requires intense concentration and confinement for long periods of time over which accuracy and productivity must be maintained. Must maintain consistent, high-level, quality specimen processing skills, technical excellence, and expertise. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process Excellent time management skills and analytical ability to solve system related issues.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervises all employees within the specific laboratory cost centers.

Pay Range: $43.62-$71.97

EEO Statement: Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type: M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Work Shift: Day Daily Hours: 8 hours Driving Required: Yes

As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day. Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island. Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve. We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well-being of our employees and their families. Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself. Company Location Belonging and Engagement Nursing Our Mission