Lead Cytotechnologist

The incumbent serves as a Lead Cytotechnologist with the duties of planning, directing and carrying out functions for the cytology area while providing oversight of specimen send out for the anatomic pathology department. This includes a wide variety of technical procedures to prepare diversified cytologic specimens for microscopic evaluation. The incumbent also examines these specimens under the microscope, evaluating cellular characteristics for the purpose of detecting abnormal cells.

The Lead Cytotechnologist evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requests new specimen if determined to be unusable. Other duties include but are not limited too; Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the properties is maintained. Prepare reagents and primary reference material. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures such as smear preparation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrective actions. Recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solution. Evaluates guides or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods. Accessions specimens in the laboratory information system. Prioritizes, processes, and prepares specimens for cytological diagnostic procedures, including FNA. This includes the use of monolayer technology (Thin Prep), cytocentrifugation and cellblock preparation. Utilizes appropriate fixation and staining techniques to include, but not limited to, Papanicolaou staining, technique, monitors and labels slide according to procedure. Receives specimens and accompanying requisitions and reviews for completeness and accuracy. The Lead Cytotechnologist is responsible for oversight of all anatomic pathology sent out material and reporting. The Lead Cytotechnologists assists in Quality management programs for the anatomic pathology department as needed. Work Schedule: Days 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 95384-0 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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.

Education. Individuals must have 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. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. 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/.