Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

A Histopathology technician is responsible for all clinical disciplines of the Anatomic Pathology section to include Histology, Autopsy and Cytology. This Advanced Histopathology Technician will be performing digital pathology tasks including scanning slides and reviewing the quality of digital images.

Duties include but are not limited to: The incumbent is involved in the implementation of special immunohistochemical procedures using enzymatic methodologies with various tumor markers to demonstrate antibody-antigen reactions that have specific value to the patient's disease state. The incumbent is accountable for Antibody Validation and Reagent Lot Verification for lmmunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures along with the Pathologist; develops parameters for each specialized procedure being done based on knowledge and skill specific to immunohistochemical work. The incumbent is responsible for fixation and processing of surgical, bone marrow, postmortem and cytologic specimens, including but not limited to dehydration, clearing, infiltration, sectioning and staining of histological materials and the preparation and staining of cytological specimens. The incumbent is responsible for decalcification to remove calcium deposits from tissues to provide optimal quality sections; embedding tissue to give proper orientation for diagnostic interpretation; preparing smears, cell blocks and monolayers by ThinPrep according to standard techniques and applying appropriate stains. The incumbent is responsible for preparing tissue with appropriate preservative for transport; routinely evaluating the appropriateness of specimen type, method of testing and any changes to procedure or alternative methods based on the information; and determining the correct handling procedures of each specimen for optimum results. This may necessitate adjustments or modifications of procedures to appropriately process such samples. The incumbent investigates, evaluates, and establishes quality control materials for measuring the validity and accuracy of testing results in the Histology section. Identifies and resolves problems by examining all aspects of testing including instrument function, conditions of test performance and evaluation of reaction systems for type and match purposes and quality control. The incumbent manages the operation and maintenance of equipment in the section and adapts equipment for specialized procedures. Prepares reagents following complex formula and specifications, taking into consideration patient sample specifications, and adjusting preparation accordingly using expertise and experience. Troubleshoots equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates information for a variety of complex tests. This incumbent also researches, adapts procedures used in the department in accordance with the various accreditation standards and policies/procedures. Remains abreast of current & developing methodologies to ensure the department meets with all accreditation agencies standards, (i.e.CAP, JCAHO, and OSHA, etc.). The incumbent ensures specimens are correctly labeled with appropriate request information and resolves issues, (such as inadequate labeling, wrong preservative used, inadequate specimens, etc.). The Incumbent is responsible for maintaining supply inventory on items used in the Histopathology Section and, as necessary, initiates orders for additional supplies, and distributes upon delivery. The incumbent utilizes recording systems to document the work process. Maintains an accurate filing system or organization of histological materials so the blocks, slides, and tissues are retrievable with minimum effort. The incumbent assists the Pathologist or Pathology Resident with autopsy, as needed. The duties include accounting for all required documentation, such as patient information, identity of the body, and scheduling the autopsy. Under the direction of the Pathologist or Pathology Resident, performs postmortem eviscerations, places removed specimens in proper preserving solutions or containers and properly labels the specimens. The incumbent performs restoration procedure of the body and maintains the autopsy area including instruments, equipment, and clothing. The incumbent will also appropriately discard residual autopsy tissues in accordance with retention guidelines. The incumbent is under the supervision of a Pathologist and Anatomical Pathology Supervisor and participates in the development of histological protocols as it relates to local antibodies and instrument correlations and methods. The Incumbent evaluates new procedures for incorporation into the lab and assesses the effectiveness of the procedures and quality control in accordance with the requirements of accreditation agencies and works to ensure the section is compliant. The incumbent will scan slides to produce digital images, review image quality, manage digital workflows, perform equipment maintenance, and system troubleshooting as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 4:00 AM - 12:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

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.

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/.