Cytotechnologist

Veterans Health Administration • San Juan, PR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cytotechnologist is assigned to the Cytopathology Section of the Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services, at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The position works under the supervision of the Supervisory Cytotechnologist/Anatomic Pathology Supervisor and serves as a professional resource, troubleshooting specialized laboratory tests and resolving issues using independent judgment. The cytotechnologist prioritizes work and performs simultaneous tasks to meet goals during periods of short staffing or heavy workload.

The role receives, processes, and prepares specimens for cytologic diagnosis, special stains, immunocytochemistry, and molecular tests. It requires selecting appropriate cytopreparatory techniques for diverse specimens and independently processing and monitoring samples based on specimen characteristics, clinical history, and physician requests. The work involves complex laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, cytocentrifuges, a liquid-based cytology processor (Thin-prep), slide stainers, an automated cell block processor (Cellient), automated special stain/immunohistochemistry systems, and PCR equipment.

The cytotechnologist microscopically evaluates a broad range of cytology specimens, reviews patient clinical data, and assesses preparations for cellular patterns, microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign and reactive changes, premalignant changes, neoplasia, and responses to therapeutic agents. The role is responsible for rendering preliminary cytologic diagnoses before final evaluation by a pathologist. The cytotechnologist also attends fine needle aspiration procedures, assists physicians with sample preparation, and provides rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) for specimen adequacy and/or preliminary findings.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level and advertised grade are GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken Spanish for the Puerto Rico selective placement factor.
• 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, or qualifying grandfathering provisions for eligible current VHA employees.
• Current Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification; required certification must be maintained.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 journey level, directly related to the position.
• Ability to review patient clinical data, relate it to microscopic findings, and evaluate cytology preparations by light microscopy.
• Ability to make preliminary cytodiagnoses and issue and verify final diagnoses for gynecologic specimens interpreted as negative.
• Knowledge of specimen preparation for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, including filtration methods and slide preparation, fixation, and staining.
• Ability to instruct others on specimen collection and transportation and determine sample acceptability for processing.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, including Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
• Ability to perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance according to standard operating procedures.
• Skill in prioritizing workflow and specimen triage.
• Must meet applicable pre-employment testing, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, physical examination, influenza vaccination, and other application requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, and prepare specimens for cytologic diagnosis, special stains, immunocytochemistry, and molecular tests.
• Select appropriate cytopreparatory techniques for diverse specimens to produce preparations suitable for microscopic evaluation and accurate diagnosis.
• Independently process and monitor samples according to specimen type, clinical history, and physician request.
• Use complex laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, cytocentrifuges, Thin-prep processors, slide stainers, Cellient processors, automated special stain/immunohistochemistry systems, and PCR equipment.
• Microscopically evaluate gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, including oral, head and neck, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary tract, central nervous system, hematologic, needle aspiration, and tissue imprint/scraping specimens.
• Review patient clinical data and correlate it with microscopic findings; assess specimens for cellular patterns, microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign/reactive and premalignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
• Render preliminary cytologic diagnoses before final evaluation by a pathologist.
• Attend fine needle aspiration procedures, assist physicians with sample preparation, and provide rapid on-site evaluation for specimen adequacy and/or preliminary cytologic findings.
• Troubleshoot specialized laboratory tests, identify suboptimal issues, and use independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.
• Prioritize workflow and specimen triage, including during short staffing or heavy workloads, and perform simultaneous tasks.
• Instruct others on proper specimen collection and transportation methods and determine whether patient samples are acceptable for processing.
• Perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures.
• Ensure laboratory work complies with applicable regulatory standards and guidelines.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Selected applicants may request credit for prior federal service or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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