Histopathology Technologist

Histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. They utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology chemistry anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests identifying suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work as necessary in times of short staffing or heavy workload and by performing simultaneous tasks.

In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including but not limited to fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) chromogenic in-situ hybridization (GISH) and gross dissection as dictated by the labs needs. The advanced histopathology technologist acts as the section Safety Coordinator and oversees safe handling of specimens chemicals and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations.

Major Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing from wet tissue to slide preparation involving anatomic pathology i.e. surgical pathology and autopsy pathology.
• The incumbents thorough understanding of the gross appearance of normal and pathologic processes in a wide variety of patient samples allows him/her to comfortably adapt traditional and advanced methods to handle new or unique cases containing unknown abnormalities.
• The accuracy of the services rendered is expected to be high given the incumbents extensive training and expertise.
• The incumbent has advanced knowledge of testing techniques and advanced problem-solving capabilities and acts as a resource for other technologists.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as VHA National Enforcement Office (NEO) OIG FDA CAP TJC AABB EPA and OSHA.
• Complies with all safety requirements as outlined by VHA facility local state and federal regulations.
• Assist in the investigation corrective actions and record/document retention of FDA Manufacturer instruments/reagents recall.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratorys in-service/continuing education program.
• Maintains quality control records; performs all the preliminary reviews of all QC maintenance and corrective action logs before submitting to Supervisor for monthly review and signature. Reports any discrepancies to the Supervisor/ Director or designee.
• Oversees safe handling of specimens chemicals and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. Directs and/or appropriately dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with hazardous waste policies.
• Investigation and resolution of problems related to Surgical Pathology.
• Receiving and accessioning samples including verification of patient identifiers tissue site/laterality and ensuring that required information is provided.
• Independently evaluating the acceptability of submitted material and acting for the Chief Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service returns unacceptable specimens with an explanation to the contributor.
• Packaging blocks and slides to be sent for consultations or quality reviews.
• Assist the Pathologist Physician(s) in the preparation of the Autopsy Provisional Anatomic Diagnosis (PAD) report(s).
• Follow-up Pathologist completion of Autopsy Quality Assurance Form and file documentation as appropriate.
• The incumbent may work irregular tours of duty or extended hours when the need for coverage arises.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm and extended hours based on service needs.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Histopathology Technologist/PD81833F
Functional Statement #: 81833F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• 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
• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification 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)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public 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 probationary period or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005.

Education-Transcripts Submitted. Individuals must meet one of the requirements below:

1. Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university leading to a bachelors or higher degree that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist such as but not limited to clinical biology microbiology physiology pre-medical medical lab technology chemistry immunology physiology anatomy; OR
2. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both);OR
3. Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a masters degree or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist such as clinical biology microbiology physiology premedical medical lab technology chemistry immunology physiology anatomy.

Certification-Documentation Submitted Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered board eligible to take the certification exam:

• Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS);

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Preferred Experience: 3 years experience in grossing examination dictation and sampling/sectioning all types of surgical specimens for microscopic examination.

Histopathology Technologist GS-11:

Experience. Must meet one of the following:

(a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level which is directly related to the position to be filled;
OR
(b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum
OR
(c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum.

Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate KSAs (a)-(f) and additional KSAs based on the specific duties assigned:

• a) Knowledge of histopathology techniques chemistry anatomy and physiology principles theories concepts and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and performs a full range of routine and specialized tests.
• b) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
• c) Skill in applying professional complex anatomic pathology principles practices concepts and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to maximize or eliminate the impact on patients sample.
• e) Ability to organize coordinate and prioritize simultaneous work assignments both individual and team related.
• f) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity.
• g) *Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures.
• h) **Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
• i) Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP) The Joint Commission (TJC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements including education and employee orientation.
• j) ****Skill in planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
• k) *****Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/118 Part II Appendix G65 dated August 1 2019. For more information on this qualification standard please visit Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing lifting carrying sitting stooping bending pulling and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-50 pounds straight pulling pushing reaching above the shoulder use of fingers and both hands walking 4-8 hours standing 4-8 hours kneeling repeated bending and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes depth perception the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted) and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.