Histopathology Technologist( Recruitment and Relocation Incentive)

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Process a variety of anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples using manual or automated techniques, which require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth, Texas.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 24, 2027 .The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be July 06, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 06/24/2027. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. A Histopathology Technologist (HTL) at the GS-07 level serves in a developmental position using practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. They perform the full range of duties including preparing routine and special histology, cytology, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical stained slides for pathologist review. Duties include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of anatomic pathology procedures to include embedding, cutting, staining, and immunohistochemistry processes. The HTL performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues, and resolves concerns. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of anatomic laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of anatomic laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs, documents and reviews quality control and quality assurance activities. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and trainees and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. A Histopathology Technologist (HTL) at the GS-09 level uses independent judgement to perform the full range of duties including preparing routine and special histology, cytology, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical stained slides for pathologist review. Duties include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of anatomic pathology procedures to include embedding, cutting, staining, and immunohistochemistry processes. The HTL performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgement and resources to resolve concerns. Ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of anatomic laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of anatomic laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs, documents and reviews quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to processing activities, as well as pre-analytical and analytical test performance, using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and trainees and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Work Schedule: 0300-1630 Monday- Friday Rotating Holidays and Weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55177-F, 55158-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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. 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

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: For certification requirements - Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science - Find a Program Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.