Medical Lab Scientist - Cytogenetics - PRN, As Needed

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health's Clinical Laboratories is seeking a dedicated laboratory professional to perform a variety of routine and complex tests, ensuring quality and timely results for patient care.

The role emphasizes instrument calibration, QC/documentation, safety, and collaboration with students and staff to support Duke's standards of excellence in diagnostics and education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CLS/Medical Technology or related field required.
• Certification preferred but not mandatory.
• No prior experience required; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex tests in clinical laboratories using standard techniques and equipment.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation and document QC results.
• Process patient samples with proper identification and ensure sample quality.
• Assist in development of new tests and participate in lab inspections.
• Communicate issues to senior staff and support safe lab operations.

Skills

FISH microscopy

Karyotype prep

Quality control

Safety procedures

Instrument calibration

Education

Bachelor's in CLS or Medical Technology

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Short and long term tissue culture on blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, products of conception, skin and solid tumor specimens.

Harvesting of cultures, slide preparation and staining.

Microscope analysis of cytogenetic preparations. FISH microscopy experience required.

Karyotype preparation using the Applied Spectral Imaging System.

FISH analysis, by microscope and imaging system.

General Description

Perform a variety of routine and complex technical tasks in the performance of laboratory tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Job duties are dependent on the laboratory and may be composed of a combination of the following duties and responsibilities related to the specialization. Tasks are performed according to written procedures and policies with careful monitoring of quality control and quality assurance practices.

Work Performed

• Perform a variety of tests in clinical laboratories using standard techniques and equipment
• Perform related duties in the laboratory to include specimen handling, using manual and automatic equipment to test specimens, and performing and reporting analytical tests.
• Operate manual or computerized instrumentation.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation according to standard operating procedure.
• Process patient samples for testing using appropriate identification techniques and written procedures to ensure quality material for testing.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of assay problems as directed by senior staff.
• Communicate problems/issues to appropriate individuals.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Participate in the development of new medical laboratory tests and techniques.
• Participate in the preparation for lab inspections.
• Review lab inspection documents and procedures to maintain knowledge. Bring any non-compliance issues to the attention of upper-level staff.
• Perform proficiency testing as directed to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Document quality control and quality assurance results.
• Notify upper-level personnel of instrument malfunctions or unusual or unexpected data or results.
• Review written procedures and policies for accuracy and submit changes to the manager or designee.
• Understand, comply, and perform all necessary safety procedures.
• Maintain compliance with safety training.
• Report all safety incidents within 24 hours.
• Attend all laboratory meetings, safety, and compliance training as required.
• Comply with competency testing procedures for the laboratory staff. Comply with laboratory training programs.
• May provide technical guidance and instruction to students, interns, residents, staff, and other employees.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. Use behaviors that support the achievement of balanced scorecard targets and support DUHS (Duke University Health System) values.
• Consistently cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers to ensure effective workflow.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Within the clinical laboratories, we embrace Duke's purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family-centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other accountable in the spirit of mutual respect and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelors of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science; or Medical Technology required. Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

None required

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Certification preferred.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.