Cytotechnologist

Veterans Health Administration • Indianapolis, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent serves as an Advanced Cytotechnologist in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The role performs highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens in cytopathology to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

The position performs independent diagnostic screening and interpretation, including independent rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) for fine needle aspiration procedures and release of negative gynecologic cytopathology reports within established time limits. It also supports laboratory operations, education, quality management, equipment functionality, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position. The position is GS-11, and its full performance level is GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and successful completion of a cytotechnology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
• Current Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification, or qualification under the stated grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
• At least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 journey level, directly related to the position.
• Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other FNA procedures.
• Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor laboratory quality management and quality control programs and initiate corrective action as needed.
• Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends, and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Complete required background and security investigation, online onboarding, and application documentation; participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Meet identification requirements for pre-employment processing; licenses or state IDs that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be used as acceptable identification effective May 7, 2025.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated employment evaluation and certification requirements.
• Meet the physical demands of the job, including regular standing and walking; prolonged sitting and concentration; manual dexterity and visual and color acuity; intermittent moderate lifting of 15–44 pounds and light carrying under 15 pounds; use of fingers and both hands; intermittent potentially prolonged stooping and kneeling; reading and hearing; working amid constant noise and with others; and maintaining accuracy, cognitive function, and emotional stability in a fast-paced, stressful environment.

Responsibilities

• Attend fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures; maintain the FNA cart; prepare and stain slides according to established protocols; and ensure adequate material is collected for ancillary testing such as cell blocks, molecular testing, and microbiology.
• Perform independent rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) assessments for FNA procedures.
• Serve as a technical resource in writing and establishing new policies and procedures for cytology laboratory operations.
• Oversee cytology staff educational requirements, including communication, distribution, and completion of CAP PAP PT, CAP Non-Gynecologic and Gynecologic study sets, and ASCP Non-Gynecologic Digital Images.
• Identify, localize, and interpret cellular abnormalities and make diagnoses independently of the pathologist.
• Release negative gynecologic cytopathology reports to the patient medical record within established time limits.
• Analyze, collect, and monitor cytology data, including screening statistics and workload compliance, and use laboratory data to support quality improvement initiatives.
• Investigate equipment issues and failures after routine troubleshooting; contact technical representatives or biomedical engineering, submit service requests as needed, and ensure annual preventive maintenance is performed.
• Ensure compliance with Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service policies, laboratory accreditation requirements, and regulatory agency requirements; assist with laboratory inspections and related documentation.
• Complete quality control and equipment maintenance logs and apply laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement principles.
• Handle outside cases, including Pap tests from surrounding VISN 10 medical centers, by accessioning, tracking, faxing results when applicable, and packaging slides for return.
• Oversee cytology laboratory safety coordination, including safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment and staff adherence to medical center, OSHA, and Joint Commission safety regulations.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior