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Cytogenetics Lab Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Required Licenses or Certificate Required ASCP Cytotechnologist (CT) Required ASCP Certification ... Minimum 5 years in a supervisory within a large lab (>100,000 tests per year). Preferred Work ...

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Cytogenetics Lab Director information

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$61.2K

$128.1K

$195K

How much do cytogenetics lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cytogenetics lab director in California is $128,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,800.00 and $140,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cytogenetics lab director?

A Cytogenetics Lab Director is a senior scientist or medical professional responsible for overseeing the operations of a cytogenetics laboratory. They manage laboratory personnel, ensure quality control, and interpret complex genetic test results related to chromosomal abnormalities. Their role also involves maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, developing laboratory protocols, and often collaborating with physicians to guide patient diagnosis and care. Cytogenetics Lab Directors typically have advanced training in genetics, laboratory management, and are often board-certified.

What are some typical challenges faced by a cytogenetics lab director, and how are they addressed?

A Cytogenetics Lab Director often manages challenges such as ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, maintaining quality assurance, and overseeing complex testing workflows. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on oversight can be demanding, especially when implementing new technologies or protocols. Effective directors address these challenges by fostering strong communication within multidisciplinary teams, prioritizing staff training, and staying current with industry best practices and accreditation requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cytogenetics lab director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytogenetics Lab Director, you need advanced expertise in cytogenetics, laboratory management, and diagnostic interpretation, typically supported by a PhD or MD and board certification (e.g., ABMGG or ASCP). Familiarity with karyotyping, FISH, microarray analysis, and laboratory information systems is essential for overseeing complex genetic testing workflows. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills set top candidates apart by fostering effective team collaboration and regulatory compliance. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining lab accreditation, and advancing patient care.

What is the difference between Cytogenetics Lab Director vs Cytogenetics Technologist?

AspectCytogenetics Lab DirectorCytogenetics Technologist
CredentialsMedical degree or PhD, board certification in genetics or cytogeneticsBachelor's degree in biology or related field, certification as a cytogenetics technologist
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, ensures quality controlPerforms laboratory tests, prepares samples, analyzes cytogenetic data
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, protocol development, regulatory complianceSample processing, slide preparation, data interpretation

The Cytogenetics Lab Director holds a leadership role, overseeing the entire laboratory operations and ensuring quality standards, while the Cytogenetics Technologist focuses on performing laboratory tests and analyzing samples. Both roles require specialized training, but the director typically has advanced degrees and certification, whereas the technologist's role is more hands-on. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in cytogenetics laboratories.

What job categories do people searching Cytogenetics Lab Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cytogenetics Lab Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cytogenetics Lab Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cytogenetics Lab Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Cytogenetics Lab Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,115 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

CA Limited License Technologist I

Quest Diagnostics

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$39.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description


***$5,000 Sign On Bonus Available (For Externals Only)***
CA Limited License Technologist I
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Work Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, 1:00PM to 8:30PM
Department: Cytogenetics
Pay range: $40.00 - $56.44 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
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
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

This position performs clinical lab testing and/or other scientific examinations.
Responsibilities
  • Independently performs consistently moderate and somewhat complex clinical tests. Exhibits skills and proficiency in applying technical principles and techniques of medical technology.
  • Takes initiative for prompt and accurate performance of tests with appropriate documentation and proper notification of abnormal results.
  • Prepares and tests new reagents or controls and evaluates their usefulness based on standard criteria.
  • Performs test calibrations and runs Quality Control material at appropriate intervals.
  • Determines the acceptability of specimens for testing according to established criteria in testing procedures.
  • Determines calculated results utilizing testing data by means of manual or computerized procedures.
  • Accurately enters results of testing. Checks the computer review reports to monitor accurate reporting of laboratory results.
  • Evaluates the acceptability of routine analysis prior to releasing patient reports. Takes appropriate action in response to critical values or unusual or unexpected results, and documents action taken.
  • Responsible for performing preventative maintenance and/or calibration of laboratory equipment and properly documenting actions taken based on approved schedule.
  • Evaluates the results of instrument performance checks. Performs linearity, accuracy and precision checks as required.
  • Performs Quality Control and calibrations with the appropriate frequency and evaluates results, to decide whether tests should be reported. Reports any shifts or trends to a Clinical Limited License Tech II or Supervisor.
  • Accurately performs and records proficiency testing.
  • Demonstrates the ability to detect and correct technical and operational problems. Notifies the supervisor, and contacts manufacturer or field service support for additional assistance, if necessary.
  • Monitors and maintains a consistent supply of reagents and supplies.
  • Actively participates in staff meetings, and in Quality Improvement meetings as assigned.
  • Maintains professional growth and development through continuing education activities.
  • May be required to perform California Clinical Limited License Tech II level duties for a limited period of time, in order to establish competency prior to promotion as well as fill in for departmental absences.
  • Provides direct and constant supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary.
  • Trains staff in proper performance of both routine and complex procedures. Supports Training Programs, Where applicable
  • Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
  • Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
  • Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • 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.

Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
  • Zero to three year's direct experience in a laboratory setting.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks. Frequent simple grasping, reaching and fine manipulation.
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
  • Have good eye and hand coordination.
  • Testing for color blindness will be required upon hiring or transfer into technical functions requiring detection of, or rating of intensity of colors (e.g., Fluorescent microscopy reading).

Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong typing skills desirable.
  • Other automation skills helpful.

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree Medical technology or other life or physical sciences from an accredited college or university (Required)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Current State Clinical Laboratory Scientist license if necessary (e.g. California) (Required)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About the Team
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.

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