Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist Specialist

About the role

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Seattle, WA is seeking a Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist Specialist for the Cytogenetics Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake. This position involves preparing specimens for cytogenetic and FISH analysis, maintaining equipment, and ensuring quality control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specimens for cytogenetic and FISH analysis and make reagents, order supplies, maintain equipment, and keep laboratory stocked and prepared for specimens.
• Train staff, ensure CAP compliance, quality control, quality assurance, turnaround times, and process development in your assigned specialist area.
• Analyze and karyotype cells for cytogenetic and FISH analysis and work up cases in preparation for director review.
• Execute reflex testing algorithms and enter results into Pathways database.
• Set up cultures of various samples, harvest cultures from cells, prepare and stain slides, and accurately record case work-up information.
• Investigate and communicate relevant patient clinical information, interpret Pathway reflex testing algorithms, and check Pathways pending list.
• Review patient request forms for accuracy of information and determine if previous cytogenetics studies were performed.
• Maintain and implement laboratory safety procedures and troubleshoot problems developed throughout the processing of cases in the lab.
• Contribute to the evaluation of technologies and materials in use in the laboratory and suggest new ideas for improvements in technical and organizational methods.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree with at least fifteen (15) credit hours in a biological or physical science.
• Certification as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in Cytogenetics by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in a Cytogenetics Laboratory. Four (4) additional years of related experience may substitute for the educational requirement.

Qualifications

• Master level cytogenetic techniques and knowledge in assigned specialist area.
• Ability to work with high level accuracy and speed in all areas of the laboratory.
• Investigate and communicate relevant patient clinical information.
• Interpret Pathway reflex testing algorithms.
• Ensure Pathway testing is being followed accurately.
• Enter results into Pathways database.
• Check Pathways pending list to ensure specimens that are on the pathway were received.
• Set up cultures of blood, bone marrow, solid tissue, amniotic fluid, and chorionic villi.
• Harvest cultures from cells to be used for cytogenetic analysis.
• Prepare and stain slides to be used for cytogenetic and FISH analysis using all appropriate staining, pretreatment and post-wash techniques.
• Analyse and photograph interphase and metaphase cells for FISH and karyotyping.
• Karyotype metaphases and accurately record all case work-up information, including ISCN, on paper and in database prior to faculty sign out.
• Ensure CAP compliance and inspection preparation of the assigned Specialist area.
• Ensure Quality Control and Quality Improvement in area.
• Develop, deploy and train on new methods.
• Review patient request forms for accuracy of information and determine if previous cytogenetics studies were performed.
• Accurately record performance of equipment used.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment properly.
• Maintain and implement laboratory safety procedures.
• Assist the supervisor in preparing for CAP and other inspections.
• Participate in the orientation and training of new technologists, residents, fellows and students.
• Review, participate in and present to peers current procedures, advances in technology, continuing education, local meetings and CAP Proficiency Test Result Presentations.
• Act as lead on Cytogenetics project work.
• Advise clinicians, technologists, researchers or clerical staff proper procedures and containers for sample collection, amount needed and transport.
• Liaison with AP laboratories, IT, and EPIC team, and other cross functional teams, as needed.
• Provide database reports.
• Order supplies.
• Accession cases into laboratory database.
• Evaluate technologies and materials in use in the laboratory.
• Contribute to the efficiency of the laboratory and participate in planning for future developments in the laboratory, including staffing needs, workspace, equipment and workload.

Skills

• Laboratory skills: Preparation of specimens, maintenance of equipment, inventory management, etc.
• Microscopy skills: Analysis and photography of cells, karyotyping, etc.
• Training skills: Orientation and training of new technologists, residents, fellows and students.
• Administrative tasks: Workflow management, turnaround time, quality of work, etc.
• Related duties: Performance of all duties of Laboratory Technician 2 and Clinical Cytogenetic Technologist.

Benefits

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
• And much more!

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

About UW Medicine

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center – Montlake, UW Medical Center – Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.