Clinical Laboratory Technologist- Cytogenetic in San Antonio, Texas at SIGMA CORE LLC

Job Description: Clinical Laboratory Technologist- Cytogenetics FISH (On-Site)

Job Title: Clinical Laboratory Technologist- Cytogenetics FISH (On-Site)
Department: Cytogenic FISH
FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
Reports To: Supervisor of Cytogenic FISH

Hourly Rate Range: Based on Experience

Position Summary

This Job Description is intended to provide a general summary of the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations associated with the Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Cytogenetics FISH (On-Site) position with COREPATH Laboratories / SigmaCore LLC ("Company"). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position.

The Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Cytogenetics FISH (On-Site) performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates laboratory testing procedures and results within the specialty area of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and cytogenetics. This position applies advanced technical expertise in FISH testing and analysis, supports diagnostic and treatment decisions through accurate laboratory testing, and exercises professional judgment in accordance with established laboratory procedures, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. FISH Analysis and Result Interpretation

• Performs accurate fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using automated imaging systems and/or manual microscopy methodologies.
• Reviews FISH preparations and evaluates hybridization quality, signal patterns, signal morphology, and internal controls.
• Distinguishes between normal, abnormal, equivocal, and technically uninterpretable FISH results according to established laboratory criteria.
• Applies established scoring criteria and laboratory-specific interpretive guidelines to evaluate FISH signals accurately.
• Identifies clinically significant signal patterns, including deletions, gains, amplifications, rearrangements, aneuploidy, and other targeted abnormalities as applicable to the assay.
• Correlates FISH findings with patient diagnosis, clinical history, morphology, conventional cytogenetic results, and other relevant laboratory findings when appropriate.
• Reviews current and historical FISH and cytogenetic results to identify clinically significant changes.
• Evaluates atypical, unusual, or unexpected signal patterns and determines when additional analysis or testing may be warranted.
• Performs additional scoring or analysis when necessary to resolve borderline, discrepant, or unusual findings.
• Assists in the selection and evaluation of appropriate FISH probe sets based on clinical indications and test requirements.
• Interprets FISH results and collaborates with laboratory personnel regarding the assignment of appropriate ISCN nomenclature.
• Exercises professional judgment in determining the technical adequacy and reportability of FISH results.

2. FISH Reporting and Documentation

• Generates FISH reports within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) for review and sign-out by authorized laboratory leadership.
• Accurately records FISH results, signal counts, percentages, probe information, and other required technical data.
• Maintains accurate documentation in laboratory worksheets, internal tracking systems, and electronic records.
• Summarizes FISH findings and prepares case information for supervisor, pathologist, and/or laboratory director review.
• Maintains complete, accurate, and timely clinical, technical, quality assurance, and regulatory documentation.
• Catalogs and files FISH slides, images, and supporting materials in accordance with laboratory procedures and record-retention requirements.
• Communicates FISH results and relevant technical information accurately and promptly to laboratory leadership.

3. FISH Testing and Laboratory Operations

• Performs FISH testing in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including specimen preparation, pretreatment, denaturation, hybridization, post-hybridization processing, counterstaining, and signal analysis, as applicable.
• Reviews specimen adequacy and slide quality before and during testing and identifies factors that may negatively affect assay performance.
• Organizes workload, prioritizes assignments, and manages casework to meet established turnaround times and departmental expectations.
• Maintains a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Assists with specimen processing, slide preparation, and laboratory workflow activities as needed.
• Ensures appropriate probe selection, controls, scoring requirements, and assay conditions are followed for each test.
• Performs repeat testing, additional analysis, or supplementary studies when indicated and authorized.

4. Troubleshooting and Technical Problem Resolution

• Performs troubleshooting procedures to identify causes of assay failures or suboptimal performance.
• Evaluates signal quality, background fluorescence, hybridization efficiency, control performance, and other assay-specific parameters.
• Determines when repeat hybridization, additional slide preparation, rescoring, or corrective action is necessary.
• Documents troubleshooting activities, technical findings, investigations, and corrective actions in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Communicates significant technical concerns, unusual findings, and unresolved issues to laboratory leadership.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment regarding technical validity and reportability of test results.

5. Quality Assurance, Safety, and Compliance

• Monitors FISH assay performance and comply with all quality control and quality assurance requirements.
• Reviews internal and external controls to ensure testing validity and reliability.
• Recognizes and documents assay performance issues, unacceptable controls, and conditions affecting result validity.
• Participates in proficiency testing, quality assurance activities, alternative assessments, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintains Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and compliance with laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Follows all laboratory safety policies and procedures when handling biological specimens, probes, reagents, hazardous chemicals, and laboratory materials.
• Comply with all Company policies, laboratory procedures, regulatory requirements, and applicable professional standards.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Demonstrates professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of assigned responsibilities.

6. Procedures, Validation, and Method Development

• Performs assigned FISH wet-laboratory procedures and assists with specimen processing and slide preparation as necessary.
• Maintains familiarity with current FISH Standard Operating Procedures and assists with procedure updates and revisions.
• Assists with the evaluation, verification, and validation of new FISH probes, probe sets, methodologies, instrumentation, and testing procedures.
• Performs validation and verification activities according to laboratory standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with establishing assay-specific acceptance criteria, quality control requirements, and scoring parameters.
• Assists in the preparation of laboratory procedures, technical bulletins, competency assessments, and supporting documentation.
• Participates in laboratory process improvement initiatives designed to improve quality, efficiency, productivity, and turnaround times.
• Identifies workflow improvement opportunities and communicates recommendations to laboratory leadership.

7. Training, Teamwork, and Leadership Support

Communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with laboratory personnel and healthcare professionals.

• Assists laboratory supervisors with workflow coordination, training initiatives, and operational activities as needed.
• Assists in training personnel on FISH testing procedures, instrumentation, probe technologies, image analysis systems, and laboratory processes.
• Assists with competency assessments and training documentation under supervisory direction.
• Provides technical guidance and support to coworkers within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Collaborates with technologists, supervisors, pathologists, and laboratory directors to resolve technical and interpretive issues.
• Promotes teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and a collaborative laboratory environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

The incumbent may:

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to laboratory personnel.
• Assist with training, onboarding, competency assessment, and workflow coordination.
• Support laboratory supervisors with operational and process-related activities.
• Promote teamwork and a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, medical laboratory science, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in cytogenetics, including FISH analysis experience.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology Cytogenetics Certification (ASCP-CG) or equivalent certification, where applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Cytogenetics, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in FISH analysis and interpretation.
• Solid tissue FISH experience.
• Experience with automated imaging and digital analysis systems.
• Experience participating in method validation, verification, and process improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of cytogenetic principles, FISH methodologies, chromosome abnormalities, and ISCN nomenclature.
• Ability to accurately perform and interpret FISH testing procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality systems, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and related computer applications.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient and laboratory information.
• Strong technical expertise in FISH testing, analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Maintains competency and proficiency in assigned FISH methodologies, analysis systems, instrumentation, and laboratory technologies.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment when evaluating patient results, technical findings, and operational concerns.
• Maintains current knowledge of FISH methodologies, cytogenetic abnormalities, ISCN nomenclature, emerging technologies, and laboratory best practices.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, effective communication skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and stress-management skills.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Performs other duties assigned by laboratory leadership.

ADA Physical & Work Environment Requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the laboratory for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands, fingers, and wrists for specimen handling, pipetting, microscope operation, keyboard use, and repetitive laboratory tasks.
• Ability to visually distinguish fluorescence signals, images, specimen labels, records, and computer displays.
• Ability to operate microscopes and imaging systems for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or move laboratory supplies, specimens, and equipment weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication systems.

Work Environment

• Clinical laboratory environment with routine exposure to biological specimens and potentially hazardous laboratory materials.
• Frequent use of microscopes, automated imaging equipment, laboratory instrumentation, and computer systems.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Compliance with laboratory safety, infection control, chemical hygiene, and exposure control programs.
• May require occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or extended-hour work based on operational needs.

HIPAA Breach and Security Incident Reporting Requirements

As part of assigned job duties, the employee may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI), confidential business information, laboratory records, and Company information systems.

In the event of an actual, suspected, or potential privacy breach, security incident, unauthorized disclosure, loss, theft, misuse, or compromise of PHI, confidential information, Company systems, or Company devices, the employee must:

• Immediately take reasonable steps to secure affected information and prevent further unauthorized access or disclosure when appropriate.
• Report the incident immediately upon discovery, but no later than the same business day, to a supervisor, Human Resources, Privacy Officer, Compliance Officer, Information Security representative, or other designated Company representative.
• If discovered after business hours, report the incident as soon as practicable, but no later than the beginning of the next business day.
• Preserve all relevant information and cooperate fully with investigations, audits, risk assessments, corrective actions, and mitigation efforts.
• Refrain from independently contacting patients, regulators, media representatives, law enforcement, or any third party unless authorized by the Company.
• Refrain from altering, deleting, or destroying records or information related to the incident.
• Complete all required incident reporting, retraining, corrective actions, and compliance activities.

Failure to comply with privacy, confidentiality, security, or reporting requirements may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, subject to applicable law.

Travel Requirements

Minimal travel may be required for training, continuing education, meetings, audits, conferences, or other business-related activities.