Cytotechnologist

Summary This position is located in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany - NY. 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. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Citizenship Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - of this part. Education Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successful completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign education must be submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and deemed at least equivalent to U.S. programs. Certification Candidate must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification. Loss of certification may result in removal from the occupation and possible termination of employment. May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision per VA Qualification Standard. Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist – GS‑09 Experience One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑7, directly related to the position. Assignments Higher‑level assignments: 25% of time performed at advanced level with significant scope and complexity. Advanced level: independently performs smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration, and staining; troubleshoots discrepancies; serves as technical resource; performs specialized data analysis; leads quality improvement initiatives; researches and implements new procedures. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Experience with complex specimen adequacy determination during advanced procedures. Knowledge of pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical processes for quality management. Skill in data collection, analysis, and quality improvement initiatives. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy for ultrastructural and microchemical findings. Knowledge of safety regulations (CAP, JC, OSHA) and ensuring staff compliance. Planning and administering continuing education programs for laboratory accreditation. Maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory instrumentation. Reference – For more information, see VA Qualification Standards at Physical Requirements – Not listed. Duties Provide surgical specimen collection and preparation for invasive procedures (CT‑guided / ultrasound‑guided fine needle aspiration, endoscopic brushings). Supervise histology technicians in processing cytological specimens. Apply technical and managerial skills for day‑to‑day operations and strategic decisions affecting the cytology section. Provide rapid assessment support for new low‑dose CT screening protocol for lung cancer. Improve laboratory efficiency and quality, establishing professional standards that comply with accreditation agencies. Determine requirements for specialized laboratory techniques and establish effective criteria. Develop local procedures for new testing methods and establish standard operating procedures for instrument calibration. Prepare implementation plans for new techniques. Ensure adequate scientific knowledge for performing required tests. Evaluate new techniques or practices for feasibility and implementation. Perform other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Telework not available. Virtual work not applicable. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr