What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cytotechnologist position at Komen Graduate Training Program UT MDACC?
The Department of Cytopathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis through the accurate evaluation of cytology specimens that directly impact patient care. The department supports a high-volume, highly specialized diagnostic service that requires precision, technical expertise, and close collaboration with pathologists, clinicians, and laboratory staff.
As a Cytotechnologist, you will be responsible for performing comprehensive cytology testing and evaluations within your assigned area, ensuring specimens are accessioned, processed, and identified accurately at all times. This role includes supporting fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures through specimen procurement, triage, and immediate assessment, as well as providing on-call coverage for after-hours STAT specimens and procedures.
In this position, you will perform advanced technical procedures such as cell block preparation, cell transfer techniques, density gradient preparations for lymphoma marker studies, and specialized staining methods used for the identification of cellular tissues and pathogens. You will also prepare reagents, maintain staining equipment, and support routine equipment maintenance to ensure laboratory readiness and quality standards.
You will evaluate gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and FNA cytology specimens microscopically, rendering accurate and timely diagnoses in accordance with established guidelines. Accurate documentation within pathology database systems and successful completion of annual proficiency testing are essential components of this role. Your expertise in pre-analytical and analytical processes will support effective troubleshooting and problem resolution.
Quality and regulatory compliance are central to this role. You will participate in quality control and quality assurance activities, interlaboratory slide reviews, and process improvement initiatives, while ensuring complete and accurate documentation of all required indicators across pre- and post-analytical phases.
Additionally, you will contribute to professional development and education by assisting with the training of cytology students through group microscopy seminars and presentations, as well as supporting special projects that advance departmental goals.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits , designed to support professional growth, work-life balance, and long-term career success within a mission-driven healthcare environment.
**The hours are 9:30am - 6pm. The ideal candidate will be CT ASCP certified**
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Performs all laboratory testing specific to assigned area - Accessions and processes all Cytology specimens according to established procedures, assuring proper identification of specimens at all times; assists in procurement and triage of FNA samples as well as provides on call coverage for after-hour STAT specimens and procedures with immediate assessment - Performs advanced technical procedures such as cell block preparations, cell transfer and density gradient preparations for lymphoma marker studies, as well as GMS and Iron staining used for identification of cellular tissues and pathogens - Prepares reagents following precise instructions, sets up the stain hood daily, and assists with equipment maintenance
Provides accurate assessment of Cytology specimens in a timely manner - Evaluates gyn, non-gyn and FNA preparations microscopically and renders accurate diagnoses; also, successfully completes annual proficiency testing for Gyn screening - Accurately documents diagnosis in Pathology database system per established guidelines - Remains knowledgeable of processes and pre-analytical procedures enabling efficient trouble shooting and problem solving
Generates appropriate QC data per guidelines - Participates in interlaboratory slide review of non-gynecologic cytopathology slides as well as process improvement efforts - Evaluates specimen integrity and notifies appropriate personnel of unacceptable specimens in accordance with departmental procedures - Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance measures, maintaining neat, accurate and complete records according to established policies and procedures; assists in maintaining records for pre-analytical and post-analytical indicators
Development - Assists in teaching cytology students in group microscopy seminars or presentations - Assists with special projects as assigned
Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
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
Additional Information
As a Cytotechnologist, you will be responsible for performing comprehensive cytology testing and evaluations within your assigned area, ensuring specimens are accessioned, processed, and identified accurately at all times. This role includes supporting fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures through specimen procurement, triage, and immediate assessment, as well as providing on-call coverage for after-hours STAT specimens and procedures.
In this position, you will perform advanced technical procedures such as cell block preparation, cell transfer techniques, density gradient preparations for lymphoma marker studies, and specialized staining methods used for the identification of cellular tissues and pathogens. You will also prepare reagents, maintain staining equipment, and support routine equipment maintenance to ensure laboratory readiness and quality standards.
You will evaluate gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and FNA cytology specimens microscopically, rendering accurate and timely diagnoses in accordance with established guidelines. Accurate documentation within pathology database systems and successful completion of annual proficiency testing are essential components of this role. Your expertise in pre-analytical and analytical processes will support effective troubleshooting and problem resolution.
Quality and regulatory compliance are central to this role. You will participate in quality control and quality assurance activities, interlaboratory slide reviews, and process improvement initiatives, while ensuring complete and accurate documentation of all required indicators across pre- and post-analytical phases.
Additionally, you will contribute to professional development and education by assisting with the training of cytology students through group microscopy seminars and presentations, as well as supporting special projects that advance departmental goals.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits , designed to support professional growth, work-life balance, and long-term career success within a mission-driven healthcare environment.
**The hours are 9:30am - 6pm. The ideal candidate will be CT ASCP certified**
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Performs all laboratory testing specific to assigned area - Accessions and processes all Cytology specimens according to established procedures, assuring proper identification of specimens at all times; assists in procurement and triage of FNA samples as well as provides on call coverage for after-hour STAT specimens and procedures with immediate assessment - Performs advanced technical procedures such as cell block preparations, cell transfer and density gradient preparations for lymphoma marker studies, as well as GMS and Iron staining used for identification of cellular tissues and pathogens - Prepares reagents following precise instructions, sets up the stain hood daily, and assists with equipment maintenance
Provides accurate assessment of Cytology specimens in a timely manner - Evaluates gyn, non-gyn and FNA preparations microscopically and renders accurate diagnoses; also, successfully completes annual proficiency testing for Gyn screening - Accurately documents diagnosis in Pathology database system per established guidelines - Remains knowledgeable of processes and pre-analytical procedures enabling efficient trouble shooting and problem solving
Generates appropriate QC data per guidelines - Participates in interlaboratory slide review of non-gynecologic cytopathology slides as well as process improvement efforts - Evaluates specimen integrity and notifies appropriate personnel of unacceptable specimens in accordance with departmental procedures - Performs and documents all required quality control/quality assurance measures, maintaining neat, accurate and complete records according to established policies and procedures; assists in maintaining records for pre-analytical and post-analytical indicators
Development - Assists in teaching cytology students in group microscopy seminars or presentations - Assists with special projects as assigned
Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Related science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physiology) or graduation from a school of Exfoliative Cytology approved by the CAHEA (Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation).
- NOTE: Cytotechnologists registered before August 1988 did not need a Bachelor's degree.
- Required: None
- Required: CT - Cytotechnologist American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) Board of Certification.
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
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 178634
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes