Histopathology Technologist

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: (1) 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; OR, (2) 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); OR, (3) 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. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam: (a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). OR, (b) One year of full-time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Histopathology Technologist, GS-11: Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following: (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis; perform advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples; and guide staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. Act as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and using independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. Organize, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. At the advanced level, the histopatholgy technologists introduce new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, and record-keeping and documentation. Utilize information technology to perform tasks related to histotechnology. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs: (a) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests. (b) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. (c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. (d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample. (e) Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related. (f) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. (g) Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time; Light to moderate (0-44lbs.) lifting and carrying; Straight pulling and/or pushing; Walking and/or standing; Repeated bending and/or reaching above the shoulders; Use of both legs, both hands and fingers; Fine manual dexterity and motor skills; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to see in both eyes, as depth perception is required.; Hand-eye coordination; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.; Hearing (Aid permitted); Multiple repetitive motion activities of the hands, wrist and arms.

Major Duties: Performs all routine histology procedures including accessioning, grossing, embedding, frozen section microtomy, paraffin microtomy, H&E staining, and histochemical staining. Performs all immunohistochemical (IHC), direct immunofluorescence (DIF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) staining using appropriate controls, multiple detection techniques, and multiple instruments. Investigates, develops, tests, and integrates all complex IHC techniques, including but not limited to stain protocol research, validation of new antibodies, validation of new automated equipment, new detection kits, lot number titrations, development of double staining protocols, and testing of concentrated antibodies. Evaluates the validity of results obtained in relation to the test system and collection procedures. Microscopically interprets and correlates staining results with established staining criteria. Utilizes logic and anatomic pathology knowledge to determine corrective action for procedural/staining problems. Documents all discrepancies, modifications, and corrective actions in appropriate reports. Oversees inventory control for all IHC staining procedures, ensuring adequate inventory for performance of tests at all times. Collects, harvests and processes all control material used in Histology. Establishes and monitors reference values/ranges for quality control blocks to assure the accuracy and validity of results. Acts as a technical resource, providing training and guidance to all personnel on the most complex immunohistochemical problems and/or Mohs specimens (if applicable to the position). Monitors and maintains quality control of equipment and procedures in the IHC and histochemical section. Accurately prepares samples for transport to reference laboratories. Maintains integrity of patient samples throughout. Monitors return of results and investigates/troubleshoots unexpected delays in turnaround time. Researches newly ordered tests. Prepares STAT kidney biopsies, microscopically evaluating the quality and quantity of cortical tissue. Accurately separates fresh kidney core biopsy samples into differing fixatives required for routine paraffin, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy examination Monitors temperature control systems throughout the histology and Morgue sections, immediately addressing, troubleshooting and rectifying outlying results. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 11:00am - 7:30pm, Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 72085F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized