Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist

Best Schools to become a Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist in U.S. 2024

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

In-State Tuition:$17,454
Out-of-State Tuition:$56,941
Admission Rate:18%
Graduation Rate:93%
Total Enrollment:51,225

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:37%
Graduation Rate:86%
Total Enrollment:39,679

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI

In-State Tuition:$9,273
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,904
Admission Rate:49%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:48,956

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

In-State Tuition:$57,410
Out-of-State Tuition:$57,410
Admission Rate:6%
Graduation Rate:97%
Total Enrollment:8,842

Boston University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$61,050
Out-of-State Tuition:$61,050
Admission Rate:14%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:36,714

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

In-State Tuition:$16,437
Out-of-State Tuition:$42,427
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:82%
Total Enrollment:50,023
Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist Job Description:
  • Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases.
  • Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist

Job Duties for Molecular Cytogenetic Scientists

  • Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.

  • Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.

  • Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.

Technologies and Skills Used by Molecular Cytogenetic Scientists

Analytical or scientific software

  • Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
  • MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping

Object or component oriented development software

  • C++
  • Python

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist

FAQs About Becoming a Molecular Cytogenetic Scientist