Cytotechnologist - Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

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.

Citizenship Citizen of the United States (U.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.

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.Certification Candidate must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification.

Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist – GS‑09

serves as technical resource; performs specialized data analysis; leads quality improvement initiatives; researches and implements new 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.

Planning and administering continuing education programs for laboratory accreditation.

Maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory instrumentation.

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.

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.

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.

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