Histopathology Technician

**Duties**:

- Prepare tissue specimens of all sizes and conditions from any part of the body for diagnostic examination by the pathologist.
- Assist the pathologist while cutting specimens and make the proper determination of methods in preparing tissue for microscopic examination.
- Operate the highly complex immunohistochemical stainer to produce targeted immunostains.
- Evaluates and executes protocols for validation of new immunohistochemical tests with a working knowledge of selection and evaluation of proper control specimens.
- Freeze, cut (cryotomy) and stain tissue for intraoperative rapid diagnosis of cancer in surgical specimens (i.e., frozen sections) while the patient is still under anesthesia in the surgical operating room.
- Independently plan and organize day-to-day responsibilities within the histology section.
- Process and ship surgical cases, special tumor studies and other pathologic specimens needing referral to a specialty lab in a timely manner.

**Requirements**:
**Conditions of Employment**:

- This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
- This position has a requirement to lift up to 30# lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
- Employees assigned to a medical treatment facility are required to be screened for applicable immunizations or pre-existing immunity based on occupational risk.
- This position requires Basic Life Support training certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Current Advanced Life Support or other advanced certification does not supersede BLS completion.

**Qualifications**:
**Who May Apply: US Citizens**
- **Specialized Experience**: One year of specialized experience which includes performing one or more of the following: (1) assisting pathologists with processing human specimen, (2) assisting clinical staff with examining tissues and body parts for abnormalities, (3) utilizing automated data equipment to create a test log, input test results, or (4) review patient medical records in a laboratory setting.
- This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
- OR
- **Education**: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Chemistry, Biological science, Cytotechnology, or Histopathology. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
- OR
- **Combination of Education and Experience**: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

**Education**:
**Additional information**:

- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
- You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- One year trial/probationary period may be required.
- Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
- Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
- If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
- Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
- Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

**How You Will Be Evaluated**:
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to pr