Lead Cytotechnologist

Brown University Health; United States; On-site; USD 91,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health administers the Cytology Laboratory at Rhode Island Hospital, supervising daily operations, staffing, and quality assurance to ensure accurate cytology processing and regulatory compliance. The role supports staff development and process improvements for optimal patient care.

The position requires extensive laboratory experience and supervisory expertise, with emphasis on safety, performance metrics, and collaboration with clinicians and leadership.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in biologic sciences with cytology internship completed.
• National certification (or eligible) in cytology by ASCP or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years in a laboratory setting; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of CLIA, CAP, OSHA standards and quality programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Cytology Laboratory for gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens.
• Perform routine and complex cytologic screening with competency across cytology practice.
• Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting, and consultation to staff.
• Set workflow priorities to ensure timely turnaround and efficient resource use.
• Monitor workload, productivity, and quality metrics; drive process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and implement QA/QC programs.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Lead staff recruitment, training, performance reviews, and development.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Laboratory operations leadership

Quality assurance

Regulatory compliance

Education

Baccalaureate degree in biologic sciences

Cytotechnology internship

ASCP cytology certification (eligible)

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