Medical Laboratory Associate Cytology ( Ful;-time, Days),

Penn Medicine; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking a dedicated laboratory professional to support Cytology and pathology workflows. The role involves specimen handling, test execution, quality control, and instrument maintenance within the Pathology department.

The position requires a High School diploma or GED and a Bachelor’s degree with specific science coursework; 1 year of lab experience is preferred. Day shifts with regular duties support patient care and research aims.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Science with 24 semester hours of science (6 Chemistry, 6 Biology, 12 hours of Chemistry/Biology or MLT).
• High school diploma GED is required; Bachelor's degree preferred or required depending on role.
• 1 year laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine diagnostic tests and quality control, with documentation and instrument verification.
• Handles specimen processing, labeling, and preparation for analysis; maintains accurate records.
• Operates, calibrates, and maintains laboratory instruments; reports results and alerts caregivers as needed.
• Assists in compliance, safety, and cleanliness of the Pathology department work areas.

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Science (required) - includes 24 science hours (6 Chemistry, 6 Biology, 12 Biology/Chemistry or MLT)

GED (Required)

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Hours: 5:30am-2:00pm Monday-Friday

Main duties: Cytology sample preparation, Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy assistance, run Panther molecular testing instruments, help scan surgical pathology slides for Digital Pathology and then duties as assigned to help Pathology department.

Summary

• Performs routine and special diagnostic test procedures, as well as supporting Quality Control and documentation, function verification, instrument maintenance, associated specimen collection, and clerical work as required.
• Qualified individuals must have the ability with or without reasonable accommodation to perform the following duties:
• Performs and documents Quality Control. Verifies functioning of instruments.
• Performs initial evaluation and handling of incoming specimens: separation, centrifugation and preservation procedures; sorts and organizes specimen batches.
• Organizes, labels and numbers specimen, worksheets, and appropriate test materials in test set-up. Measures and dispenses specimens and reagents in test system.
• Monitors manual functions of test system and instruments to assure accuracy and precision; performs and runs standards, patient samples, programmed controls through automated or manual protocols.
• Records and evaluates programmed quality control results according to established control limits; follows corrective action procedures for out-of-control situations.
• Enters test results and related data into laboratory computer and into logbook after controls are evaluated and found to be within limits; calls "alert values" to appropriate caregivers. Accurately reports test results, understanding the inter-relationships between patient condition, medication and timing of specimen collection.
• Performs routine scheduled maintenance, cleaning and decontamination of instruments, equipment, and work areas not cleaned by Environmental Services personnel.
• Exhibits appropriate professionalism and work ethic in accordance with Core Values.
• The following duties are considered secondary to the primary duties listed above:
• Answers telephone, takes requests for collection, information patient preparation, interpretation of doctors' orders, telephone reports to nursing stations and or doctors' offices when requested or when results of test warrant immediate notification. Searches for reports either in computer, work sheets or files.
• Reports outdating reagent supplies, replenishes and rotates lab stock of consumable materials. Orders additional stock when needed. Prepares reagent solutions as directed. Logs incoming supplies.
• Observes, reports unusual situations, reactions, and conditions to responsible person. Evaluates and implements corrective actions as indicated, within scope of experience.
• Participates in structured and informal in-service and continuing education activities inside and outside the department to maintain current knowledge in related medical areas and interpersonal relationship.
• Accepts assignment to weekend and holiday rotation, occasional "stat" call-in, to maintain workflow as required.
• Participates in the on-call responsibilities for this position as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Minimum Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma GED.
• Bachelor's Degree with 24 semester hours of science 6 hours Chemistry, 6 hours Biology and 12hours semester hours of Chemistry, Biology or medical laboratory technology.
• One 1-year Laboratory experience preferred.

Credentials / Education or Equivalent Experience

• Bachelor of Arts or Science (required)
• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

• We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.