Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Process a variety of anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples using manual or automated techniques to prepare slides for pathologist interpretation to provide a diagnosis that allow clinicians to plan appropriate and life-saving treatments for Veterans. The location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth, Texas.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2027. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 14, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 09/30/2027. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. A Histopathology Technologist (HTL) at the GS-07 level serves in a developmental position using practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. They perform the full range of duties including preparing routine and special histology, cytology, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical stained slides for pathologist review. Duties include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of anatomic pathology procedures to include embedding, cutting, staining, and immunohistochemistry processes. The HTL performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues, and resolves concerns. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of anatomic laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of anatomic laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs, documents and reviews quality control and quality assurance activities. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and trainees and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. A Histopathology Technologist (HTL) at the GS-09 level uses independent judgement to perform the full range of duties including preparing routine and special histology, cytology, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical stained slides for pathologist review. Duties include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of anatomic pathology procedures to include embedding, cutting, staining, and immunohistochemistry processes. The HTL performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgement and resources to resolve concerns. Ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of anatomic laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of anatomic laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs, documents and reviews quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to processing activities, as well as pre-analytical and analytical test performance, using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison u…

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job 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, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. 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 histopathology technician 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. Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. This exception only applies at the entry level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must have HTL certification. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified histopathology technologists may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. 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). Experience at the GS-7 level: None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments: Histopathology technologists serve in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. Experience at the GS-9 full performance level: You must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Assignments: Histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. 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 conc…

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. NOTE: For certification requirements - Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science - Find a Program NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.