Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Summary

The Histopathology Technician (Advanced) will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems.

Duties

• This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 10/06/2026. Additional applications will be referred as needed. (NOTE: Applications expire after 90 days. Please update application thru USAJobs if you wish to be reconsidered.) Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e. surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation considering physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment. Uses, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control, quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement, as applicable. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue, surgical specimens including: Assuring appropriate specimen accessioning, Obtaining clinical history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc., Describing gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, and preparing tissues. Obtaining biological specimens such as blood, tissue, and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis, immunochemistry, etc., and performing special procedures. Photographing all pertinent gross specimens and microscopic slides. Performing duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports and data, including the filing of reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides; assuring the completion of specimen coding. Performing frozen specimen prosection (if applicable) and preparation. Assists in procedures during off-hours to include evenings, nights, callbacks, weekends and /or holidays, as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual/remote position. Functional Statement #: 53173-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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

GS-7: There is no educational substitution at this grade level. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your basic qualifications on education. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.