Assistant or Associate Director, Cytogenetics/Molecular Genetics

This position serves as the Assistant Director of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics section of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Disease Prevention Division. This section processes prenatal, constitutional and oncology specimens for conventional Cytogenetics, FISH and molecular genetic testing. The laboratory participates in international, national and local research collaborations and clinical trials and is home to the University of Wisconsin's Accreditation Counsel for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Fellowship in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics. This position also includes a joint appointment with the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

The duties of the Assistant Director include providing technical and compliance oversight, preparation and review of Cytogenetics and molecular genetics case reports, client consultation, assay development and undergraduate/graduate/professional teaching/training. This position is a resource to the unit manager, section supervisors and approximately 20 FTE's. As Assistant Director, this position will carry out method development and research activities related to the WSLH service and public health mission.

70% Clinical Technical Functions
-Evaluates and reports prenatal, constitutional and oncology clinical cytogenetics and molecular genetics cases. Testing methodology includes G-banded chromosome analysis, FISH, microarray, NGS and Sanger sequencing, trinucleotide repeat analysis, methylation-specific PCR and quantitative RT-PCR.
-Provides technical and compliance direction to the cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics laboratory. Reviews and approves procedures and QA/QI plans with the Section Director.
-Assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of laboratory procedures. Ensures compliance with regulatory agencies.
-Participates by collaborating with the development of business planning in collaboration with WSLH, SMPH and UW-Health.
-Stays current with all UW and WSLH policies and procedures that affect the work and operation of the Department.
-Consultation with clients regarding test orders and results.
-Maintains up to date knowledge in the field of genetics with expertise in cytogenetics and molecular genetics (maintains ABMGG certification).
-Stays up to date with CAP/CLIA regulatory guidance.
-Serves as a CAP/CLIA Technical Supervisor for the laboratory, as delegated by the Section Director and CAP Laboratory Director.

30% Teaching, Research and Academic Activities
Performs genetics related research activities as they relate to the service and public health mission of the UW and WSLH. Collaborates with other UW faculty and researchers. The candidate will contribute to the teaching mission by presenting lectures to undergraduate and graduate courses UW Madison course(s) and providing outreach lectures to the state partners in public health, clinical and laboratory committees. Opportunities in research mentoring of undergraduate, honors students, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows will contribute to the School's mission and strategic goals. In addition, provides training to the Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics staff. Provides training for students, fellows and residents. Publishes in peer reviewed journals. Represents the organization by giving presentations at professional conferences.

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene - Disease Prevention Division - Cytogenetics

Negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and
saving accounts; retirement benefits.

Certification or completion of an American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship in laboratory genetics and genomics (LGG), or dual-boarded/eligible in Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular
Genetics.

Applicants qualifying as board eligible, achievement of board certification is required within two exam cycles as a condition of on-going employment. Qualification as CLIA Clinical Consultant, Cytogenetics/Molecular Pathology is expected.

A minimum of two years postdoctoral laboratory experience in a clinical cytogenetics and molecular genetics clinical laboratory is required.

Additional experience working in a clinical genetics laboratory is preferred.

Educational, training and experience qualifications in the related CMS specialty(ies) to qualify under CLIA and as a College of American Pathologists (CAP) Technical Supervisor, Cytogenetics/Molecular Pathology, required.

Must be able to visually distinguish colors. A successful color vision screening test is required prior to an offer of employment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential as the position requires active communication with clinicians and technical staff.

Candidates for Associate Professor (CHS) or full Professor (CHS) rank must meet criteria for appointment at rank per UW School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines for appointment and promotion on the CHS track.

Remote work flexibility may be available for this position, depending on the candidate's experience.

PhD in genetics or related field, is required. An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required prior to an offer of employment. For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency by a nationally recognized organization such as the national Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. is required. The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing proof of qualifications.

To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.
WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position.

All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

The assured consideration date is September 19, 2025 but we will continue to collect and evaluate applications until the position is filled.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec
 
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.