Cytotechnologist

The incumbent serves as a Advanced Cytotechnologist within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, performing key duties in the Cytology laboratory. Cytotechnologists are certified laboratory professionals performing highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in the laboratory specialty of Cytopathology.

Duties may included but not limited to: Attends FNA procedures, maintains FNA cart, prepares and stains slides according to established protocol ensuring adequate material is taken for applicable ancillary testing such as cell blocks, molecular testing, and microbiology. Performs ROSE assessments for FNA procedures independently. Acts as a technical resource in writing and establishing new policies and procedures as needed for the overall operations of the cytology laboratory. Oversees the educational requirements of cytology staff, ensuring timely communication, distribution, and result completion. These educational requirements include, but are not limited to the CAP PAP PT, CAP Non-Gynecologic and Gynecologic study sets, and ASCP Non-Gynecologic Digital Images. Performs diagnostic work by identification, localization and interpretation of cellular abnormalities and in so doing, makes diagnoses independently of the pathologist. Releases negative gynecologic cytopathology reports to the patient medical record and does so within established time limits. May analyze, collect, and monitor cytology data, including screening statistics and workload compliance according to the laboratory quality management program and established laboratory accrediting agency guidelines and uses laboratory data to implement quality improvement initiatives. Responsible for higher-level tasks in the investigation of equipment issues and failure after routine troubleshooting has occurred on instruments and equipment used in the Cytology laboratory. Contacts instrument-specific technical representative, biomedical engineering, and/or enters service request as needed to resolve and resume optimal functionality of equipment, referring to supervisor only when non-responsive or difficult issues arise. Ensures annual PMs are performed on all equipment as defined by manufacturer or laboratory policy. Ensures compliance with P&LMS policies and laboratory accreditation requirements, assists in preparing for laboratory inspections, and facilitates preparation of the documentation therein. Additionally ensures compliance with all regulatory agencies. Completes quality control and equipment maintenance logs according to established laboratory policy and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures, as well as performance improvement principles. Handles outside cases, including pap tests from surrounding VISN10 medical centers by accessioning, tracking, faxing results when applicable, and packaging slides for return. Oversees safety coordination in the cytology laboratory, including the safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and adherence to safety regulations established by the medical center, as well as OSHA and Joint Commission regulations Work Schedule: 730-1600, Monday-Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91720A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.