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Cytogenetics Lab Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cytogenetics Lab Director information

See Iowa salary details

$57.9K

$121.1K

$184.4K

How much do cytogenetics lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for cytogenetics lab director in Iowa is $121,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $132,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Cytogenetics Lab Director jobs in Iowa?

For Cytogenetics Lab Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Cytogenetics Lab Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,148 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Pediatrics Cytogenetic Lab Specialist II

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Shivanand R Patil Cytogenetics and Molecular lab, within the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, is seeking an experienced cytogenetic laboratory specialist II. The lab utilizes classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques, including chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosomal microarray (CMA), for diagnosis or treatment in cancer and constitutional genetic disorders. In this role, the cytogenetic laboratory specialist II will perform components of cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic studies according to established laboratory protocols and work to maintain and improve the clinical testing environment, capabilities and quality of data in the laboratory. This position is first shift (8am - 5pm) and must be able to accommodate approximately 5-6 Saturday workdays and one holiday every year as part of a rotating schedule with other technologists.
We intend to hire for one position at either the Cytogenetic Lab Specialist I, requisition #24005255, or Cytogenetic Lab Specialist II, requisition #24005256, or Medical Lab Tech, requisition #24005276 based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Independently performs all aspects of cytogenetic, FISH or microarray, NGS wet bench procedures according to established protocols to provide high quality sample preparations with minimal supervision.
  • Accurately identifies complex abnormalities in G-banded chromosomes (chromosome section) or accurately scores FISH probes on non-FFPE samples (FISH section) or performs complete analysis of CMA data (CMA section).
  • Correctly uses ISCN when recording results.
  • Has performed analysis of a variety of abnormal cases (e.g. different specimen types, indications and abnormalities).
  • Correctly writes up cases using established report templates.
  • Maintains accurate records of all lab results, procedures and quality control metrics.
  • Evaluates sample quality and trouble shoots problems with the guidance of the section coordinator.
  • Performs additional tasks as may be assigned by the section coordinator such as routine equipment maintenance, inventory and ordering of reagents.
  • Communicates any problems with equipment or specimen processing with section coordinator or lab director.
  • Aids in training of new technologist under the direction of the section coordinator.
  • Complies with the appropriate safety and regulatory guidelines.
  • Participates in and helps prepare for CAP inspections and ensuring CAP compliance.
  • Attends and participates in laboratory staff meetings and continuing education programs.

About the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is a national leader in pediatric medicine. The Department's mission is to provide outstanding care to the children of Iowa and beyond by being a leader in state-of-the-art clinical care to children, performing cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses, and educating the next generation of pediatric health care providers. The Department comprises the medical and research staff of UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. UI Stead Family Children's Hospital is one of the nation's top-ranked pediatric care and research institutions, and Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital.
About the Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics
The Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics is committed to excellence in providing comprehensive services for children, adults and prenatal patients in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of genetic conditions. The Division's multidisciplinary team is comprised of board-certified medical geneticists, a molecular genetic pathologist, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, nurses, and dietitians. Our clinics include General Genetics Clinics, Metabolic Genetics Clinics, Connective Tissue Disorder Clinics, Neurofibromatosis Clinics and Outreach Genetics Clinics. Genetic diseases and disorders affect families as well as individuals. The medical team provides the information, support and follow-up needed to make informed decisions. Our medical genetics team collaborates with state and federal agencies, educators, researchers, support groups and others to provide the latest information and treatment options for Iowans and their families.
Education Requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Experience Requirements:
  • Certification in Cytogenetics or Molecular biology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA).
  • Minimum of two years' experience as a certified technologist in a clinical cytogenetics or molecular genetics lab.
  • Must be able to function at the required capacity to meet caseload and turnaround times including the ability to set priorities and to optimize the best use of time.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to distinguish fine detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Quality assurance experience with College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA laboratory standards).
  • Familiarity and understanding of how chromosomes, FISH, and molecular techniques interact and broadly what they can detect.
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Required File" to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact pedsuichildrens@healthcare.uiowa.edu
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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