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Laboratory Technician - Cytopathology - Days
The Cytopathology Department at MD Anderson plays a critical role in the accurate processing and evaluation of cytology specimens that support timely cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. The laboratory works in close collaboration with pathologists, clinicians, and technical teams to ensure specimens are processed with precision, integrity, and adherence to the highest quality and safety standards.
As a Laboratory Technician in Cytopathology, you will support the Main Processing Lab by performing essential pre-analytical and technical functions in accordance with established policies and procedures. This role is responsible for preparing reagents, setting up stain hoods, assisting with equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements. You will accurately receive, accession, stain, and identify specimens while assisting with the routine transport of case materials between laboratory and office locations to support daily workflow operations.
This position plays a key role in quality assurance activities by generating and documenting quality control data, cleaning and disinfecting laboratory equipment, evaluating specimen integrity, and communicating issues related to unacceptable specimens in alignment with departmental procedures. The Laboratory Technician will also help monitor inventory levels to ensure the effective use of supplies and reagents while maintaining accurate and organized records.
Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability to changing workflow demands, and a commitment to positive customer service. You will prioritize and complete work assignments in a timely manner, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, and maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, supporting employee well-being, professional development, and long-term career growth.
**The hours are Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. The ideal candidate will have a bachelors degree or at least 1 year of laboratory experience**
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Supports the Main Processing Lab in accordance with established policies and procedures
- Prepares reagents following precise instructions, sets up stain hood appropriately, and assists with the maintenance of equipment while adhering to all safety and regulatory guidelines
- Correctly receives, accessions, stains, and assures proper identification of specimens
- Assists with transporting case and specimen materials between labs and offices (3 occurrences daily from the main Cytology lab to other onsite labs and offices. This requires walking with a hand-held mobile cart)
Generates appropriate QC data per guidelines
- Cleans and disinfects glassware, laboratory equipment and accessories as needed
- Evaluates specimen integrity and notifies appropriate personnel of unacceptable specimens in accordance with departmental procedures
- Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance while maintaining neat, accurate and complete records according to established policies and procedures
Completes all work assignments in a timely manner
- Prioritizes and organizes workflow, adjusting to meet productivity goals of the section; responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers
- Assists with monitoring and documenting of the sections inventory control system while assuring effective use of supplies
- Remains knowledgeable of processes and pre-analytical procedures enabling efficient trouble shooting and problem solving
- Performs all tasks in a positive manner to result in appropriate positive customer service
- Complies with institutional policies and procedures
- Demonstrates cooperation when working with both internal and external customers; demonstrates calmness under varying environmental circumstances; remains willing and capable of assisting with crisis situations
- Performs other duties as required
Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Preferred: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 1 year In a clinical medical laboratory or similar setting. No experience required with preferred degree.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
