Cytotechnologist

Perform highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in the laboratory specialty of cytopathology. The location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth, Texas.

Duties include but not limited to: Performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. Troubleshoot and take corrective action when a discrepancy is identified. Acts as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes and procedures in order to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Perform a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. - Use laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. Research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment. Applies new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Report the microscopic interpretation of normal pap smear tests used to detect cervical cancer. Provide preliminary interpretation of specimens from other body sites Collaborate with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions, and malignant diseases. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Participates in proficiency testing. Performs validation studies on new equipment and test procedures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour shift during lab hours 6:00 am - 5:30 pm, Rotating Holidays and Weekends Telework: No Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55157-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.