Job Summary

The Advanced Histopathology Technician position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine service of the Veterans Health Administration. This role involves developing, performing, evaluating, interpreting, correlating, and validating the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops, modifies, or adapts new staining methods or techniques to improve existing methods for routine histo-technology procedures.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoots issues with laboratory instruments and resolves problems.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Follows College of American Pathologist (CAP) accreditation regulations and applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, guidelines, and regulations.
• Assists with CAP checklist self-evaluation.
• Answers inquiries regarding histological slide/test results, staining methodology, and specific factors that influence histologic test results.
• Interprets results and suggests follow-up staining selection or procedures.
• Assists with instruction and training of new employees, residents, and students in the laboratories' in-service/continuing education program.

Work Schedule and Telework

Monday through Friday, two shifts available: 12:00 AM (midnight) - 8:30 AM or 3:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Occasional weekends and holidays.

This is not a virtual position.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• 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.

Qualifications

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.
• Experience and Education: One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work, such as a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician.
• OR, Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, such as biological science or chemistry.
• OR, Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry-level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

Grade Determinations

Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced): Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06).

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
• Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment, and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.

Preferred Experience

Current working knowledge of histopathology processes and workflows.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs. Straight pulling. pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping). Walking, frequent standing (i.e., up to 4 hours). Kneeling repeated bending and use of both arms and legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes and depth perception. Ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted). Clear high cognitive function and emotional stability. Ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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.

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: Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process, you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).

VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.

If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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