Cytogenetic Technologist - Senior

The Cytogenetics Laboratory at UT Health San Antonio is seeking a Senior level technologist to join the team. The UT Health Cytogenetics Laboratory is a state-of-the art clinical facility that offers diagnostic testing services to UT Health Physicians, in addition to various other partners. The Lab also provides research testing services to collaborators at the Mays Cancer Center, the Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), UT Health San Antonio, and various other partners across the United States.

Senior technologists joining the cytogenetics lab will have the opportunity to work directly with some of the top cytogenetic technologists in the country and independently contribute to providing optimal patient care using cutting edge technology. Under minimal supervision of lab manager, Veronica Ortega, the Cytogenetic Technologist - Senior will coordinate and participate in specialized and complex technical tasks involved in screening slides of clinical specimens to detect evidence of cancer or other pathological conditions.

• Independently prepares tissue culture specimens using cytogenetics culturing procedures and harvests cell cultures at optimum time sequence based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
• Independently performs slide preparation for chromosome analysis and FISH testing, and staining for microscopic analysis using routine and specialized banding techniques.
• Independently performs microscopy on routine and complex cytogenetic and FISH cases, computer image analysis, karyotyping, FISH scoring and result reporting using proper ISCN nomenclature.
• Independently collects and maintains detailed QA/QC documentation of specimens and reagents for presentation of trends at monthly laboratory meetings.
• Independently designs, performs and interprets data for process improvement validation studies.
• Participates in the training of junior technologists and rotating residents/fellows.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Proficient in preparing and processing tissue culture specimens using cytogenetics culturing and harvesting procedures.
• Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and conducting regular assessments to record the lab equipment's performance.
• Demonstrates excellent sterile techniques.
• Ability to operate in a fast paced environment with established time constraints.
• Ability to communicate complex Genetics concepts.
• Ability to routinely safeguard and handle irretrievable specimen types.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with molecular techniques including DNA extraction and microarray.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelors degree in Cytogenetics or bachelors degree in the biological, chemical and/or medical sciences, with a post-baccalaureate Cytogenetic certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years of cytogenetic experience is required. And at least one (1) year of molecular genetics experience in DNA extraction and/or microarray techniques is desirable.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Certified as a Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics (CG) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits. 
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. 
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist. 
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits. Life Employees receive $40,000 of group term life insurance and $40,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates. 
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also availab