Clinical Technologist 1, Cytogenetics

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Overview

Yale School of Medicine educates leaders in medicine and science, fostering curiosity and critical inquiry. It is a global leader in biomedical research, clinical care, and medical education. With more than 1,900 physicians, Yale provides compassionate care to patients worldwide.

Yale School of Medicine - Genetics is looking for a Clinical Technologist 1 to join their team. The Clinical Technologist 1 performs clinical chromosome (karyotype) studies in a high-volume, CLIA-certified Cytogenetics laboratory environment. Responsible for the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic technical components of cytogenetic testing, including specimen processing, culture setup, harvesting, slide preparation, banding, and microscopic evaluation of metaphase spreads. Works with a variety of specimen types—peripheral blood, bone marrow, chorionic villi (CVS), amniotic fluid, solid tissues/biopsies, and other validated sources—while maintaining meticulous documentation, sample traceability, and strict adherence to laboratory safety and quality practices. May perform other duties as assigned.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The shift for this position is Tuesday - Saturday. Full-time, 37.5 hrs., 8:30 AM – 5PM.  Early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays may be required in rotation. Recess period required.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and process clinical specimens; ensure accurate identification, labeling, and documentation throughout the workflow.

• Set up, maintain, and monitor cell cultures (as applicable) for multiple specimen types; evaluate culture quality and initiate appropriate corrective actions within established procedures.

• Perform harvesting procedures (e.g., mitotic arrest, hypotonic treatment, fixation), prepare slides, and conduct banding techniques (e.g., G-banding) according to laboratory SOPs.

• Perform microscopic scanning to identify metaphase spreads; assess preparation quality (mitotic index, banding resolution, spread quality).

• Select, capture, and karyotype metaphase spreads using laboratory-approved imaging systems.

• Perform comprehensive chromosome analysis, including analysis, counting, and scoring of cells for both constitutional and acquired abnormalities; escalate atypical/abnormal findings per protocol.

• Maintain tissue culture and general laboratory areas (reagent preparation, cleaning, monitoring, supply inventory) and document all required steps in worksheets/LIMS.

• Conduct routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting (incubators, centrifuges, water baths, microscopes, imaging systems) and document maintenance and corrective actions.

• Adhere to all laboratory quality, biosafety, and biochemical protocols in accordance with EHS, CLIA and CAP guidelines, ensuring strict compliance with contamination control, biohazard safety, and clinical material disposal.

• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying workflow issues, assisting with updates to procedures, and supporting training/competency efforts as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Highly motivated self-starter with strong organization and time management; able to prioritize multiple specimens/cultures, maintain sample traceability, and meet turnaround goals with minimal supervision.

2. Excellent attention to detail and pattern recognition; able to assess metaphase quality, banding resolution, and slide adequacy; recognizes atypical patterns and escalates per protocol.

3. Strong tissue culture skills and aseptic technique; proficient with specimen setup, culture monitoring, harvesting, fixation, and slide preparation following SOPs and contamination control practices.

4. Clear written/verbal communication and teamwork; completes accurate documentation in worksheets/LIMS, reports specimen/culture issues promptly, and supports QC, safety, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. ASCP Cytogenetics (CG) certified or eligible for certification

2. Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field (or equivalent) and formal coursework/practicum in Cytogenetics and/or Genetics.

3. One year of experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory.

4. Experience with microscopic analysis of G-banded chromosomes and chromosome preparation from a variety of specimen types, including amniotic flu