Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens - Veterans will be reviewed first from external applicants. Veteran's Preference rules will apply. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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As the Lead Histopathology Technologist, the incumbent occupies a staff position in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (P&LM) Service and performs complex laboratory functions and performs a full range of specialized testing at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. The lead histopathology technologist may lead other histopathology technicians and/or histopathology technologists or others in the performance of histopathology work. At this level, the lead 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. Performs advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. The lead histopathology technologist must be skilled in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Leads in the introduction of new tests including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. Researches, develops, tests, optimizes and validates complex histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots and concentrated antibody titrations. Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. The lead histopathology technologist identifies suboptimal testing and takes corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples. Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: assuring coverage of all areas of responsibility; conducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work; providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures; distributing and balancing workload; orienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employees; and ensuring all training

Duties and responsibilities of the Lead Histopathology Technologist include but not limited to the following:

• The incumbent has advanced knowledge of testing techniques and advanced problem ­solving capabilities and acts as a resource for other technologists. Incumbents have in­ depth knowledge of all histopathology section policies and procedures. The incumbent therefore provides specialized information to technologists as needed.
• Solves complex problems related to generalist bench rotation coverage, performs complex maintenance procedures, may attend vendor training for an analytical instrument, is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting, has responsibility for instrument reagent management program, and is able to recognize system failures that may lead to erroneous results.
• Manages staffing rotation and technical operation for Frozen Section cryostat sectioning and staining, including Mohs technique under the direction of the pathologist and/or Mohs surgeon.
• Coordinates training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty area.
• Leads team in balancing workload within the Histology section, including frozen sections and IHC, to achieve turnaround times set by the Supervisor and Chief of Surgical Pathology. Coordinates coverage for STAT frozen sections and Grossing procedures in the absence of a pathologist assistant.
• Provides coverage for routine and advanced duties of histopathology technologists, including processing pathology samples, preparing slides, stains, and IHC studies, quality assurance, and ensuring standardization, quality outcomes, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates, modifies, and recommends new methods or revises standard techniques to improve or enhance accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, timeliness, or proficiency of analyses. Compares new methods with existing or reference methods by performance and suitability. Assesses the advances in the fields of IHC procedures for use in the Histology Section to enhance patient care.
• Investigates, develops, tests, integrates and obtains approval of all complex IHC techniques including but not limited to new antibodies, new detection kits, and lot number titrations, double staining, and testing of concentrated antibodies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm, Extended hours based on service needs.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 82635F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• 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.

(1) Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by 3 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.

• English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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:

Lead Histopathology Technologist, GS-11

(1) 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
(b) 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.
(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 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.


Physical Requirements:

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-50 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Area of Consideration. Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.

2. All other VA employees.

3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

4. All other applicants.

Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies but will be applied to all other applicants.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.