OPT Cytogenetic Technologist Jobs
Cytogenetic Technologist roles analyze chromosomal abnormalities in clinical and research labs, requiring specialized training that aligns well with OPT work authorization. Most positions qualify as STEM-eligible, supporting a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in hospital systems and genetic testing labs regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this highly specialized role.
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Get Access To All JobsSchedule: (40 hrs/wk) 8 hrs daily
Monday - Friday, including rotating weekends and holidays
~9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Department: Cytogenetics - 391
Exact compensation will vary based on skills and experience.
Primary Purpose:
Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Performs routine and complex laboratory tests in the Cytogenetics department of the clinical laboratory to provide physicians with rapid and accurate laboratory test results. Works under the direction of Technical Specialist, Lead and/or Supervisor.
This position is not qualified for delegation of supervisory duties for NY testing areas.
About ARUP:
ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive.
We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.
Essential Functions:
Performs waived, moderate, and/or highly complex analytic processes without direct supervision. Uses routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and/or techniques for which he/she is qualified, trained, and demonstrates competency according to established lab section operating procedures (SOPs).
Operates, calibrates and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and ensures proper functioning of laboratory equipment. Recognizes when professional service is required and requests service if instrument is covered under a service contract. Otherwise, reports service needs to supervisor for resolution. Evaluates instrument/method failure and determines when back-up methods must be initiated.
Performs quality control procedures as specified in lab section SOPs and maintains QC records and documentation necessary to meet the standards of accrediting agencies.
Understands appropriate specimen collection, handling, transport, and recording procedures. Functions as a resource for interpreting specimen acceptability.
Processes data, verifies accuracy, and enters data in the laboratory computer system, along with appropriate explanatory or interpretive information.
Recognizes and reports abnormal results. Recognizes unexpected results, errors, and problems with patient tests.
Appropriately participates in internal and external proficiency testing (PT).
Meets output measures as defined by individual group policy. Assists with workload in any section where competency has been verified and is current.
Correlates lab data with other clinical and laboratory data, and with pathologic states to determine validity and whether follow-up tests should be done.
Ensures quality and timeliness of patient test results.
Recognizes critical patient results and follows the defined process for reporting them.
Recognizes unexpected results, errors, and problems with patient tests and escalates as required.
Understands the theory of laboratory procedures and identifies and correlates all potential causes of unexpected test results.
Recognizes appropriate and inappropriate selection of basic and complex lab tests.
Appropriately prioritizes order of testing and coordinates resolution of unique workflow in assigned area.
Resolves and documents resolution of all QC results which fail lab criteria and institutes corrective action.
Integrates and relates lab data to investigate possible discrepancies and contributes to the resolution.
Responds to technical questions consistent with level of training.
Trains new employees, including Technicians, MLTs, Technologists, and MLSs. Teaches laboratory procedures and policies, including methodology and instrument operation, to Technician, MLS, and MLT students; pathology residents and post-doctoral fellows. Prepares and presents continuing education programs for department personnel as requested.
Provides technical information and/or instruction to clients, new employees, medical students, residents, peers, physicians, and the public as requested and where appropriate.
Maintains adequate inventory of reagents and supplies.
Writes, revises and validates SOPs.
Directs workflow activities and reviews daily data reports as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical and Other Requirements:
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Mobility: The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Communicate: Frequently communicate with others.
PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies.
ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Absolute integrity in the accurate identification of samples, test performance, and reporting of results.
Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.
Color Vision: Perception of and ability to distinguish colors.
Continuing Education: Continual assessment of current literature and best practices.
Experience
Required Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, genetics or genetics-related field or clinical laboratory science or medical technology
CG(ASCP) certification
Education
Required* Bachelor's Degree or better in Biological Sciences or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required* Technologist Cytogenetics
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Schedule: (40 hrs/wk) 8 hrs daily
Monday - Friday, including rotating weekends and holidays
~9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Department: Cytogenetics - 391
Exact compensation will vary based on skills and experience.
Primary Purpose:
Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Performs routine and complex laboratory tests in the Cytogenetics department of the clinical laboratory to provide physicians with rapid and accurate laboratory test results. Works under the direction of Technical Specialist, Lead and/or Supervisor.
This position is not qualified for delegation of supervisory duties for NY testing areas.
About ARUP:
ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive.
We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.
Essential Functions:
Performs waived, moderate, and/or highly complex analytic processes without direct supervision. Uses routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and/or techniques for which he/she is qualified, trained, and demonstrates competency according to established lab section operating procedures (SOPs).
Operates, calibrates and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and ensures proper functioning of laboratory equipment. Recognizes when professional service is required and requests service if instrument is covered under a service contract. Otherwise, reports service needs to supervisor for resolution. Evaluates instrument/method failure and determines when back-up methods must be initiated.
Performs quality control procedures as specified in lab section SOPs and maintains QC records and documentation necessary to meet the standards of accrediting agencies.
Understands appropriate specimen collection, handling, transport, and recording procedures. Functions as a resource for interpreting specimen acceptability.
Processes data, verifies accuracy, and enters data in the laboratory computer system, along with appropriate explanatory or interpretive information.
Recognizes and reports abnormal results. Recognizes unexpected results, errors, and problems with patient tests.
Appropriately participates in internal and external proficiency testing (PT).
Meets output measures as defined by individual group policy. Assists with workload in any section where competency has been verified and is current.
Correlates lab data with other clinical and laboratory data, and with pathologic states to determine validity and whether follow-up tests should be done.
Ensures quality and timeliness of patient test results.
Recognizes critical patient results and follows the defined process for reporting them.
Recognizes unexpected results, errors, and problems with patient tests and escalates as required.
Understands the theory of laboratory procedures and identifies and correlates all potential causes of unexpected test results.
Recognizes appropriate and inappropriate selection of basic and complex lab tests.
Appropriately prioritizes order of testing and coordinates resolution of unique workflow in assigned area.
Resolves and documents resolution of all QC results which fail lab criteria and institutes corrective action.
Integrates and relates lab data to investigate possible discrepancies and contributes to the resolution.
Responds to technical questions consistent with level of training.
Trains new employees, including Technicians, MLTs, Technologists, and MLSs. Teaches laboratory procedures and policies, including methodology and instrument operation, to Technician, MLS, and MLT students; pathology residents and post-doctoral fellows. Prepares and presents continuing education programs for department personnel as requested.
Provides technical information and/or instruction to clients, new employees, medical students, residents, peers, physicians, and the public as requested and where appropriate.
Maintains adequate inventory of reagents and supplies.
Writes, revises and validates SOPs.
Directs workflow activities and reviews daily data reports as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical and Other Requirements:
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Mobility: The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Communicate: Frequently communicate with others.
PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies.
ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Absolute integrity in the accurate identification of samples, test performance, and reporting of results.
Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.
Color Vision: Perception of and ability to distinguish colors.
Continuing Education: Continual assessment of current literature and best practices.
Experience
Required Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological, genetics or genetics-related field or clinical laboratory science or medical technology
CG(ASCP) certification
Education
Required* Bachelor's Degree or better in Biological Sciences or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required* Technologist Cytogenetics
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all OPT Cytogenetic Technologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Cytogenetic Technologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Cytogenetic Technologist
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Cytogenetic Technologist positions at hospital systems, university medical centers, and genetic testing laboratories typically qualify for STEM OPT. Confirm your employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an offer, as this is required for the 24-month extension.
Lead with your ASCP certification status
Board certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology signals clinical competency to hiring managers. Candidates who are ASCP-certified or examination-eligible are far more competitive, especially at labs that require credentialed staff for regulatory compliance.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history during interviews
Ask directly whether the lab has sponsored cytogenetics staff before. Labs at academic medical centers and large reference labs like national genetic testing companies often have established immigration workflows and are more receptive to sponsoring specialized clinical roles.
Highlight your fluorescence in situ hybridization and karyotyping skills
Employers value documented proficiency in FISH analysis, G-banding, and chromosomal microarray techniques. Listing specific methodologies in your resume makes it easier for hiring managers to justify sponsorship by demonstrating your technical skills cannot be easily replaced.
Time your OPT application to your graduation carefully
Apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. For cytogenetics roles, lab onboarding and credentialing take time, so having your EAD card in hand before your start date prevents payroll and compliance complications with clinical employers.
Build relationships with lab directors and pathologists
Cytogenetics departments are small and relationship-driven. Connecting with lab directors through professional society events, such as those organized by the Association of Genetic Technologists, increases your visibility among the decision-makers who ultimately approve sponsorship decisions.
Cytogenetic Technologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cytogenetic Technologist role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field, not the job title itself. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biology, genetics, clinical laboratory science, or a related discipline, and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most cytogenetics programs fall under eligible CIP codes, but confirm your specific degree with your international student office before filing Form I-983.
Will clinical labs hire Cytogenetic Technologists on OPT?
Many do, particularly hospital-based cytogenetics labs and large reference laboratories that have sponsored clinical staff before. The specialized nature of the role works in your favor. Labs hiring for FISH analysis, karyotyping, or chromosomal microarray work often struggle to find qualified candidates, which makes them more willing to work with OPT students and support future H-1B sponsorship. You can find employers actively hiring on Migrate Mate.
Does my OPT job have to be directly related to my degree?
Yes. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For cytogenetics roles, this is rarely a problem if your degree is in clinical laboratory science, genetics, biology, or a related field. If an employer or your DSO questions the connection, a brief written explanation linking your coursework to the technical responsibilities of the role is usually sufficient.
Can I work at multiple cytogenetics labs simultaneously on OPT?
Yes, OPT permits multiple concurrent employers as long as each job is related to your degree and you maintain at least 20 hours of work per week combined. You do not need to report each employer separately to USCIS, but your DSO must be kept informed. For STEM OPT, each employer must be individually listed on your Form I-983 training plan and must be E-Verify enrolled.
What happens to my OPT status if a cytogenetics employer rescinds my offer before I start?
Your OPT authorization itself is not revoked, but you enter an unemployment period the moment your expected start date passes without employment. OPT students are permitted a maximum of 90 days of unemployment in total during standard OPT. If your offer is rescinded, notify your DSO immediately and begin your job search again. Migrate Mate lists cytogenetics and clinical lab roles from employers open to OPT candidates.