Northwestern Medicine · 5 months ago
Cytogenetics Technologist, Full-Time Days
710 N. Fairbanks, Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expNorthwestern Medicine is a leader in the healthcare industry, dedicated to providing a patient-first approach. The Cytogenetics Technologist will perform various cytogenetic analyses and ensure the accuracy and integrity of laboratory processes and results.
Emergency MedicineHealth CareHospitalMedicalNutritionRehabilitation
Responsibilities
Performs all aspects of cytogenetic analysis: tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation and banding, microscope scanning, chromosome analysis, FISH (Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization) analysis, DNA extractions/microarray based analysis and report drafting
Utilizes laboratory instruments independently and performs troubleshooting as needed
Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the Cytogenetics Laboratory to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported
Verifies orders where necessary
Verifies non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol
Handles unresolved orders, troubleshoots where needed
Verifies with medical director or operations or resource coordinators to resolve unclear, duplicate or otherwise ambiguous orders prior to LIS order entry
Verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable, verifies with medical director or operations and/or resource coordinators tests are appropriate and generates add-on test orders if approved
Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens
Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt
Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action
Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens
Prioritizes specimen processing based on established priorities
Aliquots specimens according to established protocols
Maintains test system integrity:
Performs preventative maintenance on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion according to defined schedule
Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use
Ensures that sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance are available
Notifies senior staff when minimum inventory level is encountered
Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance
Evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol
Performs specimen preparation:
Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols (e.g., tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation, etc)
Documents all aspects of sample preparation in required forms
Performs tests:
Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times
Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume
Performs technical review and interpretation:
Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system
Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary
Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate
Troubleshoots and solves problems:
Recognizes test system performance problems and takes necessary corrective actions
Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action
Prints pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate
Post-test specimen storage:
Stores specimens and related materials (blood, slides, tissues, etc) according to protocols for location and duration
Retrieves specimen and related materials when needed
Conducts validation studies under the direction of coordinator or director
Performs all aspects of the post-analytic workflow appropriate for the Cytogenetics Laboratory to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed
Verifies and reports results:
Verifies results according to procedure
Performs computer functions necessary for releasing results
Generates written reports according to established protocol
Reviews printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems and escalates according to protocol
Amends reports:
Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure
Responds to inquiries:
Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information
Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and take action
Stores documents and records according to established protocol
Charge capture/billing:
Performs billing and/or enters credits for tests and services when applicable
Recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly
Ensures quality of operations:
Follows written standard operating procedures
Operates instruments/equipment according to protocol
Uses computers according to established protocol; follows downtime procedures as required
Performs required Quality System responsibilities
Meets competency standards of the department
Participates in the training of new employees and students
Performs operational review of new procedures
Attends at least one personal development session per year
Performs other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality of operations
Ensures safety of operations:
Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed
Maintains clean and organized work area
Provides service excellence:
Answers telephones when needed, using NMH telephone etiquette
Maintains patient confidentiality
Assists patients and other contacts whenever need occurs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology or other science degree qualifying the applicant to perform high complexity testing under 42 CFR Part 493
One year of work experience in a cytogenetics laboratory or - CG (ASCP) eligible or - CG (ASCP) certified
Benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Loan forgiveness
401(k) matching
Lifecycle benefits
Company
Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine is the collaboration between Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine around a strategic vision to transform the future of health care.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Northwestern Medicine has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (75)
2024 (66)
2023 (70)
2022 (78)
2021 (35)
2020 (39)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$25M2018-06-26Grant· $25M
Leadership Team
Howard Chrisman, MD
President and CEO
John A. Orsini, CPA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-13
Near North Health
2025-12-01
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