Laboratory Supervisor – Cytogenetics

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laboratory Supervisor – Cytogenetics to oversee the daily operations of a clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory. This individual will be responsible for ensuring high-quality, accurate, and timely testing while maintaining regulatory compliance, optimizing laboratory workflows, and leading a team of laboratory professionals.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in cytogenetics, along with effective leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. This is a hands-on supervisory role requiring active involvement in laboratory operations, staff development, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Technical Oversight

• Supervise daily cytogenetics laboratory operations, including conventional chromosome analysis (karyotyping) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
• Oversee specimen processing, cell culture, harvesting, slide preparation, staining, imaging, and analysis.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of testing while maintaining established turnaround time (TAT) targets.
• Monitor laboratory workload, staffing, and resource allocation to optimize productivity.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and implement corrective measures to minimize workflow disruptions.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, reduce costs, and increase testing capacity.
• Coordinate with other laboratory departments to ensure seamless specimen processing and reporting.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and applicable state and federal laboratory regulations.
• Maintain and enforce laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control protocols, and documentation requirements.
• Monitor quality indicators, including turnaround time, specimen rejection rates, test failures, and repeat testing.
• Investigate quality issues, implement corrective and preventive actions, and monitor their effectiveness.
• Oversee instrument maintenance, calibration, validation, and proficiency testing activities.
• Support laboratory inspections, internal audits, and accreditation activities.
• Ensure laboratory records and documentation are accurate, complete, and inspection-ready.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and mentorship to cytogenetics laboratory personnel.
• Coordinate staff schedules, daily assignments, and workload distribution.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability for quality, productivity, and turnaround times.
• Conduct staff training, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Identify staff development opportunities and encourage cross-training to improve operational flexibility.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful work environment.
• Address performance concerns promptly and professionally in coordination with laboratory management and Human Resources.

Process Improvement & Performance Management

• Develop and monitor laboratory performance metrics, including productivity, turnaround time, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement improvements to increase throughput without compromising quality.
• Support the implementation of new assays, technologies, instrumentation, and laboratory processes.
• Work with laboratory leadership to improve cost efficiency, resource utilization, and operational scalability.
• Participate in laboratory planning, operational meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Cytogenetics, Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant clinical cytogenetics laboratory experience.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or demonstrated laboratory leadership experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of conventional cytogenetics and FISH testing, particularly in hematologic malignancies.
• Working knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and laboratory quality management requirements.
• Experience with laboratory information systems (LIS), laboratory documentation, and quality control processes.
• Strong organizational, communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment.

Preferred

• ASCP certification in Cytogenetics (CG) or equivalent recognized certification.
• Experience supervising a high-complexity clinical laboratory.
• Experience with bone marrow, peripheral blood, and hematologic malignancy cytogenetic testing.
• Familiarity with ISCN nomenclature and cytogenetic reporting standards.
• Experience with laboratory automation, workflow optimization, and process improvement.
• Prior involvement in CAP inspections, laboratory validations, or regulatory audits.