Cytotechnologist

Overview

The Cytotechnologist serves the Audie Murphy VA in the Anatomic Pathology Service, performing a full range of screening of gynecologic cytology specimens for premalignant and malignant conditions, inflammatory changes, viral cellular changes, and therapeutic changes. Screening also includes benign and malignant conditions of the lung, bladder, GI tract, cerebrospinal fluid, and metastatic and primary diseases in effusions and other obtainable anatomic fluids or samples.

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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency:
  Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English
• See 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Education:
  
  Successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program
• Foreign
  
  Education:
  
  Education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for interpretation of foreign credentials and deemed at least equivalent to U.S. programs
• Certification:
  Current Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification
• May qualify based on Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (where applicable to current VHA employees)
• Grade Determinations:
  Cytotechnologist GS-11 — one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) directly related to the position
• Assignments:
  For all assignments above the journey level, higher-level duties must show significant scope, complexity, range of variety, and be performed at least 25% of the time
• Advanced duties:
  Independently perform and monitor processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining; troubleshoot and take corrective action if discrepancies are identified
• Role:
  May act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures
• Data:
  Perform a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program
• Quality:
  Use laboratory data to implement needed quality improvement initiatives
• Innovation:
  Research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment
• Advanced KSAs:
  Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities as required (KSAs 4-8), including safety and educational responsibilities
• Additional KSAs include: electron microscopy, safety coordination, laboratory education, and ongoing continuing education program planning
• Ultrathin microtomy and electron microscope operation capabilities
• Knowledge of microanatomy to note ultra structural and microchemical findings
• Ability to convey safety regulations and ensure staff compliance, including continuing education and orientation
• Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for accreditation
• Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Minimum 5 years of Cytology experience; minimum 2 years Non-Gyn experience; minimum 2 years FNA procedure experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, see VA Qualification Standards
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Typical physical requirements for this occupation; may include standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; PPE and annual TB screening may be required

• This announcement is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until all position(s) are filled
• First cut-off will be February 2, 2026
• Provide cytopathology specimen collection and preparation obtained by invasive procedures, such as CT-guided or ultrasound-guided fine…