Histopathology Technologist

Histopathology Technologists possess broad knowledge of biological sciences and the skills necessary to process anatomic pathology specimens. The work performed by histopathology technologists is vital for pathologists to interpret laboratory results and provide diagnoses and prognoses that allow for planning appropriate and life-saving treatments. THIS IS AN OPEN AND CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT AND WILL BE REVIEWED EVERY 2 WEEKS UNTIL VACANCY IS FILLED.

Major duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: Receives and/or obtains specimens using appropriate techniques, maintaining proper identification. Performs all elements of gross examination and sectioning of all types of surgical pathology specimens. Prepares specimens for analysis according to the specifications of the procedure. Handles all types of human tissue which may include receiving, checking, accepting, timing, logging, storing and/or shipping, if necessary. Provides technical guidance to ensure all tissues are properly oriented when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimen being prepared (e.g. shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue). Processes all cytological specimens including sputa, body secretions, fluids and fine needle aspirates. Is present in Radiology to prepare smears, cytological specimens for cyto preparation and cellblocks, and to determine if any tissue or bone is present for fixation in formalin. Determines whether specimens need concentration or dilution and prepares slides using cytospin technique or other method. Stains cytological specimens separately and performs special stains when required. Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small or complex specimens, choosing appropriate microtome knives and section thickness. Sharpens microtome knives. Prepares frozen tissue sections for special immunological studies which includes selecting, freezing, cutting (microtomy) and staining Tissue for Frozen Section exam by the pathologist. Employs the cryostat. Teaches and trains other laboratory personnel to perform immunohistochemical and stains. Under the direction of the supervisor maintains QA files of blocks and slides needed to perform special stains and immunohistochemistry stains in the laboratory. Ability to troubleshoot all problems with special staining procedures and implements changes. All decisions involving tissue preparation for light microscopy are determined through experience and knowledge of histopathology. Recognizes instrument or equipment malfunction or trends, initiates corrective action when necessary. Performs Quality Control checks on reagents, procedures and equipment; evaluates results. Evaluates the validity of patient data in relation to the test procedure and expected results. When data is suspected to be erroneous, investigates for obvious procedural or instrument faults and alerts the supervisor. Alerts appropriate personnel (supervisor, physician, and pathologist) to critical or significantly abnormal results. Provides information requested from physicians, nurses, ward clerks, etc. regarding the function and operation of the Laboratory Service as it relates to patient care. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21P93-A. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. Must pass pre-employment physical 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 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/.