Histopathology Technologist

This position is designated as a Histopathology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology section of the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service. At the full performance level, the incumbent will perform a full range of duties which consist of histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology.

• Properly stains tissue sections using a combination of routine, special, and IHC stains, determining what elements and properties each stain demonstrates and interprets positive controls used for these procedures.
• Takes appropriate action to resolve problems by determining if additional information is needed for clarification of test results and/or establishing a definitive diagnosis, conferring with pathologists on additional testing as necessary.
• Keeps supervisor informed of any problems encountered.
• Follows standard operating procedures for receiving and processing specimen by maintaining proper identification throughout all processes.
• Performs highly complex gross tissue description and sampling on most specimen, utilizing proper dictation, dissection techniques, proper specimen orientation, and confers with on-duty pathologist regarding some larger and any unusual specimen.
• Accurately performs duties under unusual or emergent situations (e.g., frozen sections).
• Performs and documents quality control, prepares and maintains reagents and solutions following standard operating procedures.
• Complies with all computer (equipment and options) requirements as outlined in Medical Center and P&LMS policies/procedures.
• Properly identifies and tests suboptimal specimens and takes corrective actions to minimize or eliminate impact on samples.
• Maintains highly complex equipment, including automated and manual rotary microtomes, tissue processors, cryostat microtomes, automated stainers, cover slippers and immunohistochemical stainers.
• Meets the needs of all customers while supporting VA personnel in the pursuit of maintaining the missions that have been established for the integrated health care services.
• Supports Medical Center, P&LMS, and VISN goals/mission.
• Resolve most conflict which arise, coordinate work with others, and interpret policies in terms of established objectives, and keeps the supervisor informed of progress and potentially controversial matters.
• Follows safety and health rules and regulations established by their facility and VHA management.

7:30am - 4:00pm (Mon - Friday with rotating weekends and holidays)

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship.
• Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency.
• Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education.
• Individuals must meet one of the requirements below:
  • Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy;
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both);
  • Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, premedical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy.
• Foreign Education.
• Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.

GS-7 Preferred Experience: Nothing beyond basic requirements

GS-9 Preferred Experience: Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled.

Assignment. At the full performance level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests.

The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.

The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks.

The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immuno-histochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity.
  • Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests.
  • Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample.
  • Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related.
  • Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.

Preferred Experience: Certified Histology Technologist with at least one year experience working in moderate or high Laboratory.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G65

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pound, Walking (3 hours), Standing (3 hours), Use of fingers; both hands required, Working with hands in water, Working closely with others, Working alone.