Cytology Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Cytology / FISH Manager
Job Description

The Cytology / FISH Manager leads cytology and FISH operations within a CLIA-certified, high-complexity molecular testing laboratory. This role combines hands-on cytology and FISH work with leadership responsibilities, overseeing staff, workflow, and quality programs to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant diagnostic testing. The manager microscopically examines gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, interprets UroVysion FISH assays, and drives continuous quality improvement and regulatory readiness for the cytology department.

Responsibilities

• Microscopically examine non-gynecologic specimens and gynecologic Pap smears to detect cancer, precancerous conditions, atypias, and inflammatory conditions.
• Perform all duties required for the interpretation of UroVysion FISH assays using image analysis and fluorescent microscopy, following established protocols.
• Process cytology specimens, ensuring accurate labeling, proper handling, and strict adherence to laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Manage cytology and FISH technologists, including oversight of day-to-day operations, workflow, scheduling, and turnaround times.
• Perform the full range of Cytotechnologist and FISH technologist tasks in the absence of other cytology/FISH staff, as needed.
• Ensure department compliance with all applicable regulatory standards and requirements, including CLIA and state regulations.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of principles and techniques related to Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH).
• Scan slides, score probe signals, and accurately record and document FISH results.
• Review slides for overall quality of preparation, including probe intensity, proper cover-slipping, and identification of artifacts, to help ensure accurate diagnosis.
• Evaluate test results for completeness, accuracy, and quality, following quality control and quality assessment protocols.
• Perform and document all related quality assurance and quality control activities, including CAP-required statistical reports and documentation tasks.
• Maintain appropriate follow-up procedures, such as FISH error logs and prospective internal review processes, to support the highest possible diagnostic accuracy.
• Support and assist the Molecular Pathology Department on a per diem or as-needed basis.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, including exercising all safety precautions described in SOPs and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Communicate operational and technical problems, along with potential solutions, to the Medical Director and department leadership in a timely manner.
• Cooperate with pathologists and other departments regarding FISH testing, result interpretation, and reporting.
• Comply with established turnaround times for all assigned cases and maintain a high level of productivity in a busy department.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, including those related to ethical business practices, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
• Maintain current knowledge of laboratory policies, regulatory agency requirements, and departmental operational policies and procedures.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, in-services, and the continuous laboratory quality improvement program.
• Complete annual educational and continuing education requirements and maintain all required certifications.
• Report to work on time, complete assigned work within designated time frames, and represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Work effectively with minimal supervision while fostering cooperative working relationships with laboratory staff, management, and peers.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in chemical, physical, biological, or related sciences from an accredited college or university.
• ASCP certification as a Cytotechnologist, with certification or board registration by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
• Certification by a Category 1 agency such as ASCP or National Certification Agency (NCA), as applicable.
• Approximately 6 years of hands-on cytology experience, including at least six years of experience as a cytotechnologist.
• Prior supervisory or management responsibility overseeing cytology staff and/or cytology operations.
• Strong background in both gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology, with demonstrated proficiency in microscopic evaluation.
• Hands-on cytology experience in a clinical laboratory setting, rather than solely administrative or oversight responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of New York and New Jersey Department of Health regulations and overall laboratory compliance standards.
• Experience with laboratory quality management, including maintaining regulatory compliance, audit preparedness, and inspection readiness.
• Experience with quality assurance and quality control programs, proficiency testing, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ability to meet education and experience requirements mandated by CMS, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and New York State Department of Health.
• Proficiency with computers and laboratory information systems, as well as laboratory organization and documentation.
• Knowledge of departmental operational policies and procedures, quality control, quality assurance, and laboratory safety practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support cooperative working relationships with laboratory staff, management, and peers.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills to manage a busy workload and meet strict turnaround times.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to professional and ethical standards.

• Experience with FISH, particularly UroVysion or similar assays, is a strong plus.
• Strong microscopy background suitable for training on FISH techniques if direct FISH experience is limited.
• Experience overseeing cytology operations, including staff management, workflow optimization, and turnaround time performance.
• Familiarity with CLIA-certified, high-complexity molecular testing laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated ability to support and collaborate with Molecular Pathology and other laboratory departments.
• Willingness to provide cross-coverage and per diem support to related laboratory areas as needed.
• Active participation in continuous laboratory quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to adhere to dress code and maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Reliability in attendance, punctuality, and completion of work within designated time frames.

This position is based in a professional, high-volume, CLIA-certified, high-complexity molecular testing laboratory with a very busy cytology and FISH department. The Cytology / FISH Manager works closely with cytology and FISH technologists, lead technologists, pathologists, and other laboratory teams. All technologists and parasitology staff report to a lead technologist, lead technologists report to supervisory leadership, and leads are responsible for scheduling shifts, creating a structured and coordinated workflow. The environment is fast-paced and focused on accuracy, quality, and regulatory compliance, with active quality assurance and quality control programs, proficiency testing, and ongoing inspection readiness. The laboratory uses advanced microscopy, image analysis, and fluorescent microscopy for cytology and FISH testing. Team members are expected to attend departmental meetings and in-services, participate in continuous quality improvement, and maintain current knowledge of policies and regulatory requirements. The role follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff are expected to adhere to the laboratory dress code and maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance while working in a collaborative and supportive environment that values training, development, and long-term career growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Edison, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

401k medical dental and vision

This is a fully onsite position in Edison,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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