Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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• Performs or requests specialized tests including histochemical and immune-histochemical stains and cytometry.
• Evaluates and implements new equipment and orders supplies.
• Photographs gross specimens and maintains and teaches collection of gross and microscopic photographs.
• Investigates and resolves problems related to Surgical Pathology.
• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.
• Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained.
• Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments.
• Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.
• Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.
• Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results.
• Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the pathologist/physician.
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
• Processes specimen using equipment, instruments, or techniques that are necessary to prepare them for specific analysis; responds to time factors to ensure that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Requests new specimen if determined to be unusable.
• Prepare reagents, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests.
• Identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions which cause erroneous results: instrument malfunctions, conditions of test performance, reaction systems, and/or test procedures used. Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems.
• Assists in the development, review, and update of protocols for new instruments and procedures.
• Performs scheduled and as needed maintenance on instruments and documents actions.
• Conducts testing required by external proficiency program.
• Maintains continuing education credit hours as required.
• Maintains compliance with directives of regulatory agencies (CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, and CLIA).Trains new personnel and assists in their incorporation to the section.
• Assists lower- grade laboratory personnel as required.
• Responds to supervisory request and instructions regarding work assignments, deadlines, and priorities; completes assignment within expected time limits.
• Aids coworkers, supervisors, providers, and other medical center personnel regarding patient specimens, test methods, test results, interpretation, etc.
• Consistently maintains courteous, respectful, and cooperative relationships with management, coworkers, patients, and the general public.
• Displays a cooperative attitude and effectively works together to implement the organization's mission and goals.
• Accepts change in tours of duty to provide continual patient services as deemed necessary by the Laboratory Chief.
• Demonstrates compliance with current laboratory safety and infection control procedures.
• Knows the fire drill and emergency plans for work area to include knowledge of location of fire extinguishers, manual pull stations, and fire plans.
• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal Regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy.
• Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
• Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.
• Uses the Veterans Health Information and technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System.
• Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

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;
OR,

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,

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.

Grade Determinations:
Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
• 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.
• Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample.
• Ability to monitor and make work assignments, balance workload, and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.