Cytogenetic Technologist

University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine Department of Pathology

Official Title: Health Care Professional or Health Care Senior Professional (Open Rank)

Working Title: Cytogenetic Technologist

Position #00790731 – Requisition #23421

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The University of Colorado has a requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations and full completion thereof by 9/1/21 or upon start date.  Information regarding this requirement, and exemptions can be found at:

Anschutz: https://www.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider284/default-document-library/3000-general-admission/3012---covid-19-vaccination-requirement-and-compliance.pdf?sfvrsn=4e9df3ba_2

Denver: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus

Exemptions vary by campus location/department.

Campus/Unit-Specific Exemptions:

• Anschutz Campus – Exemptions are allowed for medical or religious reasons.
• Denver Campus - Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
• Consolidated/Central Services Administration – Will follow Anschutz policy on exemptions.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

Department of Pathology has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Open Rank Health Care Professional or Health Care Senior Professional (Cytogenetic Technologist) position.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital  and Children's Hospital Colorado  - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $650 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu .

Nature of Work

This position performs highly complex diagnostic cytogenomic testing utilizing standard and high-resolution chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies, and/or chromosomal microarray and SNP array analysis.  Specimen processing includes samples for prenatal diagnosis, postnatal constitutional investigations, and cancer diagnosis and treatment follow-up.  Additional duties include participation in laboratory quality control, assurance and improvement, and development and implementation of new tests as the field of cytogenomics continues to progress. 

This position must adhere to established operating procedures, policies, and guidelines, and is thus responsible for contributing to an environment conducive to effective, accurate and efficient mission and value driven operations. 

Professional Field

Cytogenetics

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Section Supervisor

Supervision Exercised

N/A

Examples of Work Performed

Initiates, maintains cultures, and harvests cells for chromosome analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies, and/or extracts and purifies DNA for array analysis; prepares and stains slides for chromosome analysis, probes slides for FISH analysis, and/or processes DNA for array analysis; participates in quality control and quality assurance protocols.

Performs chromosome analysis, FISH scoring, and/or array analysis (oligo- and SNP-based); prepares digitized images of karyotypes or FISH preparations using a computerized imaging system; summarizes case analysis correlating chromosome, FISH, and array results; prepares standardized interpretations for case reviewers and laboratory directors; and participates in proficiency testing as required by regulatory agencies such as CAP.

Under the direction of a Director, Manager, or Supervisor, this position participates in other lab-wide or section specific continual improvement initiatives or test development and implementation.

Participates in the orientation and training of new employees, genetics students, residents, and other health care professionals in cytogenetic, FISH, and/or array processing and analysis; actively contributes to the continued advancement of lab-wide teaching / training capabilities; identifies and assists when additional training of employees is needed; participates in applicable laboratory and community educational opportunities and conferences to stay abreast of developments in the field and  maintain current professional certification.

Participates in reagent preparation, equipment cleaning and preventive maintenance, supply and reagent inventory control; monitors QC parameters on lab equipment; adheres to Laboratory Safety guidelines at all times through proper handling of infectious materials and hazardous chemicals and wearing proper laboratory attire and personal protective equipment.

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Salary and Benefits:

Health Care Professional

The salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established at $51,175 to $68,574.  

Health Care Senior Professional

The salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established at $55,324 to $74,134.  

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Diversity and Equity:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

Health Care Professional

• BS/BA in a biological science
• 1 year of Professional level experience
• ASCP certification as a Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

Health Care Senior Professional

• BS/BA in a biological science
• 2 years of Professional level experience
• ASCP certification as a Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will be responsible for travel expenses related to the interview process and any relocation expenses, if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience analyzing specimens for cancer cytogenetic studies
• Experience analyzing postnatal and prenatal specimens for constitutional cytogenetic studies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understands proper handling of infectious materials and hazardous chemicals
• Understanding of cytogenetic, FISH, and/or array technologies
• Commitment to quality, accuracy and attention to detail
• Analytical individual with team-based problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize, manage and meet diverse workloads and deadlines
• Communicates effectively with peers, supervisor, faculty and other personnel
• Self-motivated learner and teacher
• Computer skills in database, word processing, spreadsheet software
• Team oriented, adaptable and demonstrates sound judgment in a changing environment
• Asks for assistance and guidance when appropriate
• Maintains an understanding of HIPAA rules/regulations and CAP laboratory accreditation standards
• Basic use and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with medical terminology in a laboratory setting