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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Cytogenetic Technologist II - Royal Oak, MI, Monday to Friday, 8: 00 AM to 5:00 PM
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
Performs difficult/complex tests requiring the exercise of independent judgment and responsibility in those sub-specialties in which they are qualified by education, training, and experience.
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
Responsibilities:
- If job assignment includes tissue culture: accurately and efficiently perform tissue culture of assigned specimen types, including culture initiation, maintenance, harvest, slide preparation and staining for microscopic analysis.
- If job assignment includes microscopic analysis: perform accurate microscopic/post-microscopic analyses of assigned specimen types, including preparing karyotypes using established cytogenetic laboratory procedures.
- If job assignment includes molecular cytogenetics: accurately and efficiently perform FISH or array on assigned specimen types, including maintaining appropriate QC and maintenance records. Perform accurate analysis of FISH or array on assigned specimen types.
- If job assignment includes fluorescence in situ hybridization: accurately and efficiently process assigned specimen types, including slide preparation, pretreatment, hybridization, post wash, and counterstain for microscopic analysis using appropriate quality control standards. Perform accurate microscopic/post-microscopic analyses of assigned specimen types meeting or exceeding established productivity and quality control standards.
- Responsible for the more difficult/complex laboratory testing activities and review of work of other technologists.
- Document and maintain tissue culture and/or microscopy analysis records completely and accurately.
- Document chromosome or FISH abnormalities using correct ISCN nomenclature and best assessment of breakpoints.
- Ensure accurate specimen processing/test results by strict adherence to testing methodology and quality standards.
- Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients.
- Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition.
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
- Assist in training of other laboratory personnel, students and fellows.
- Assists in developing/validating new procedures in order to improve quality, efficiency, or accuracy. Participates in research, development, and implementation of new testing methodologies/modifications.
- Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA and laboratory safety requirements.
- Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
- Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed.
- May be required, in the absence of a Supervisor, to assume lead responsibilities if qualified and delegated.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
Minimum of four (4) years (3 years as a Cytogenetics Technologist) full-time experience in a clinical Cytogenetics laboratory.
A degree or certificate from an accredited Cytogenetics training program may be substituted for the year of experience.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Microscopic analysis requires extended periods sitting at a microscope.
- Tissue culture and wet lab areas require extended periods of standing, sitting at a biohazard hood, or pipetting.
- FISH requires the ability to stand or sit for long periods possibly in a small darkroom environment.
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
- Frequent walking and/or standing.
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive theoretical and operational knowledge of job assignment(s) in Cytogenetics.
- Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
Skills:
- Requires manual dexterity and excellent pattern recognition skills.
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
- Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree Science. Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). United States educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript. (Required)
Licenses and Certifications:
Current ASCP Certification in Cytogenetics [ASCP-CG] (Preferred)
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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.