Cytogenetic Technologist

Fairview has an exciting opportunity for a full time, day shift, Cytogenetics Technologist at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank in the Cytogenetics (CG) department. This position will work Monday through Friday, with every 3^rd weekend with a holiday rotation.

This position is eligible for a Sign On Bonus of up to $5500 (amount pro-rated based on FTE).

Our Cytogenetics department is a local leader in pioneering chromosomal and genomic technologies for the diagnosis and management of both inherited disease and cancer. The Cytogenetics lab serves a unique and diverse patient population with our hospital recognized as a national leader in areas like bone marrow transplantation.  Our hospital has also recently been established as a rare disease center of excellence.  The 40-member Cytogenetics team utilizes highly specialized testing including: Tissue culture processing, Chromosome Microarray, Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (FISH), and G-banding chromosome analysis to obtain results that guide patient care.

All teams within the Cytogenetics lab collaborate to provide high quality patient care and integrated patient result reports.

• The Tissue Culture Team is responsible for specimen receipt, culturing and harvesting of specimens. They provide stained slides for G-band chromosome analysis and cell pellets for FISH processing.
• The Microarray Team is responsible for specimen receipt, DNA extraction and microarray processing which includes DNA restrictions, labeling and slide hybridization/washing to obtain data for Microarray analysis.
• The FISH Team is responsible for slide and probe preparation, slide hybridization and wash, as well as probe analysis using a fluorescent microscope.
• The Chromosome Analysis Teams utilize their expertise to analyze G-banded Neoplastic and Congenital Chromosomes using computer software and/or a brightfield microscope.

In joining the Cytogenetics lab, you will be joining a highly motivated team of professional Technologists and will be assigned to one or more of our laboratory teams dependent on previous experience and laboratory needs.

The Cytogenetic Technologist functions independently in performing major Cytogenetics work responsibilities of the professional laboratory practice. The Cytogenetic Technologist performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic interpretive testing and acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of Cytogenetic results including conventional GBAND, Microarray, and/or FISH analysis. The Cytogenetic Technologist may be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation. The Cytogenetic Technologist correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The Cytogenetic Technologist assists in laboratory performance improvement activities

Responsibilities

• Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Determines and/or revises priorities for specimen procurement within department guidelines and clinical information
• Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.
• Performs waived, moderate or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88.
• May assist with method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of conventional GBAND, Microarray, and/or FISH analysis. Identifies normal and abnormal cells to provide FISH testing and chromosomal analysis. Performs complex molecular analysis for Microarray testing, Correlate available clinical history of patient with microscopic findings to aid in accurate diagnosis. Directly communicates results to Medical Director/Pathologists
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Assists with problem solving, corrective action and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor or Lead if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiency.
• Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.
• Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
• Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
• Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
• Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs.
• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks
• Takes action to evaluate and resolve QC outliers. Consults with supervisor for assistance if needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the lab Performance Improvement program by suggesting areas for improvement, collecting data, reviewing the results, and recommending corrective action to be taken.
• Documents compliance with and demonstrates working knowledge of regulations of governmental or voluntary agencies
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote appropriate use of laboratory resources.
• Orients and mentors new employees and students.
• Participates in orienting individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
• Reviews others work prior to release.
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed
• Knowledge of developmental stages and age appropriate outcomes and interventions.
• Knowledge of cultural differences and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Customer Service standards.
• Priority setting skills
• Problem solving skills
• Working knowledge of instrumentation/testing processes and ability to take corrective action.
• Working knowledge of laboratory information and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, ergonomics, and body mechanics.
• Knowledge of infection control principles and practices.
• Knowledge of emergency and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Critical Thinking
• Knowledge of laboratory testing and significance in human physiology.
• Knowledge of relevant factors which can influence testing results.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures that are based on CAP standards, as appropriate to the work setting.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of learning styles
• Ability to assess needs and progress of trainee
• Ability to accept cultural differences

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes meeting qualifications as high complexity testing personnel as specified in CLIA ’88.
• B.S./B.A. in Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Medical Laboratory Science, or Molecular from an accredited college/university and successful completion of NAACLS accredited cytogenetics program • Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided or
• B.S./B.A. from an accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry • Transcript must be provided or
• M.A./M.S. from an accredited college/university in genetics or molecular biology • Diploma with field of study or transcript must be provided.
• Attention to detail.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good Communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Applicant must be eligible for Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Cytogenetics certification • ASCP or ASCPi – CG within 1 Year and
• Applicant must obtain Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Cytogenetics certification • ASCP or ASCPi – CG within 2 Yrs

Preferred Qualifications

• Cytogenetics experience in G-bands, FISH, Micro Array.