Supervisory Histopathology Technologist

The Supervisory Histopathology Technologist serves as the first-line supervisor and senior technical authority for Anatomic Pathology technical operations, including Histology, Cytology, Grossing, and Autopsy services. They will supervise a large staff of nonsupervisory personnel in the performance of complex anatomic pathology testing in multiple specialties.

The major duties of the Supervisory Histopathology Technologist include: Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the histology and cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines. Support and advise CLIA Technical Director (Service Chief, AP Section Chief, or other designee) in areas of anatomical pathology quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, collaborating with the Biomedical Service any instrument malfunctions. Responsible for validating, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, or improving existing methods as necessary for routine histopathology technology procedures. Properly documents all validation procedures, and obtains approval of Laboratory Medical Director or AP Technical Director prior to implementation. Establishes and monitors the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program and initiates corrective action. Prepares monthly QA/QM data for section consistent with VA NEO and accreditation agency regulations. Generates and executes action plan(s) for metrics requiring such. Develops performance standards, position descriptions and functional statements. Responsible for professional and administrative management of an assigned area, to include budget development, orientation, and competency of assigned staff. Obtains and maintains COR Level 1 and manages section specific contracts as assigned. Manages inventory, supplies, and reagents and monitors expenditures in the section. Evaluates existing tests for cost-benefit and recommends sending out low volume, high cost or labor-intensive testing as indicated. Justifies new instrumentation and methodologies. Manages document control for assigned section(s) per VA regulation and accrediting agency (e.g. CAP, JC, etc.) requirements. Maintains effective interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals. Performs advanced procedures and quality control of tissue samples. Guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. Organizes, coordinates and prioritizes work assignments. Adjusts staffing levels/assignments or work procedures as deemed necessary. Coordinates schedule of autopsy and transfer of bodies to and from other facilities with Decedent Affairs. Uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation. Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures. Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction. Guide and train staff to prepare reagent and control materials. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products. Maintains proper records for quality control reports. Monitor and supervise Cytotechnologist in proper execution and functions. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93541-0

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. Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation. 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/.