Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Baltimore, Maryland

Salary Range: $95693 - $124407 Per Year

Job Summary: The pathology laboratory provides specialized diagnostic services to patients admitted to the VA Medical Centers located at Perry Point, Baltimore, Martinsburg, GRECC and CBOC locations. The cytology section provides diagnostic interpretation of human disease including rapid on-site evaluation in the endoscopy/bronchoscopy suite, interventional radiology and for the endocrine clinic, gynecological pap smear results, and participates in departmental research.

Major Duties:

• Major Duties May Include: Reads all medical and gynecological material submitted for cytology from the following VAMHCS facilities: Baltimore, Perry Point and all CBOCs. Provide systematic examination of all material on the slide. Abnormal material marked for the Pathologist review. Written diagnostic interpretation given on all specimens received for processing at the Baltimore laboratory. Responsible for independently reading and providing diagnostic evaluation on all the pap smears. Supply the "Cytyc Thin Prep Pap Test" kit to the gynecology clinics within the above mentioned facilities and work in conjunction with the clinicians to train all users. All pap smears are processed at the Baltimore Laboratory using the thin prep processor. Responsible for training all hospital services to the proper fixation and technique to use the cytolyt solutions for thin prep processing using the Cytyc. All specimens are processed using the Cytyc Processor. Carefully monitors the processing and quality of preparations to ensure optimum slides for diagnostic interpretation. Maintains familiarity with current literature in Anatomic Pathology as regards processing and diagnostic evaluation. Modifications in processing and advances in cytology and histology provide the veteran patient with the best in quality and diagnosis in expeditious time, and reasonable cost to the hospital. Responsible for performing a variety of procedures, including analyses; updating procedural manuals; monitoring the equipment and its accuracy; setting up and monitoring quality controls on equipment and on the diagnostic interpretation, and preparation on all slides read and processes in the Baltimore Laboratory. Assists Cytology supervisor in reviewing Standard Operating Procedure Manuals to improve quality, accuracy or improve patient care and to be in compliance with accrediting agency and JCAHO. Independently determines specimen adequacy where rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of bronchial, pulmonary, lymph node, gastric, pancreatic and/or soft tissue masses are being performed. Serves as technical specialist to handle any problems that occur between VA facilities that are cytology related to transportation, specimen fixation resulting, grossing, or procedural decisions. Works toward mutual goals, cooperative attitudes, and shows team effort to carrying out the VA mission. Coordinate work efforts or resolve operating problems concerning equipment or test methods. Review unexpected results, assist laboratory workers and physicians; instructing technicians in technical skills, clarifying problems, product suppliers or manufacturers of anatomic equipment; promoting daily work practice that conform to safety plans and standards set by regulating agencies. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am- 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 512-26272-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: 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- 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. Certification (1) Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Loss of Certification. An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist, GS-11: Experience. The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, 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. Preferred Experience: A minimum of one year experience in Cytology Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. This position is being selected at the GS-11.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12902227. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-16