About the Position: This position is located at the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Division at the Joint Pathology Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Duties

Perform special processing procedures such as biopsy processing, special and immunohistochemical stains, bone and teeth decalcification, and brain/nerve tissue processing. Independently select stain based on an understanding of the underlying chemical reactions of the stains on certain tissues or cells and their value in the establishment of the correct results for the diagnostic, didactic, and research purposes. Stain slides using variety of stains such as Periodic Acid Schiffs and Leder Stains requiring many complex and delicate procedures and careful control of the staining reaction to achieve precise staining results. Select the proper controls to assure correct results of the stain or reaction, review staining quality for acceptability, and forward complete slide(s) to the pathologist. Adapt technical procedures for a number of different variables in the process of fixing and staining tissue. Conduct quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and maintain proper records for quality control reports. Accept and reject slides on basis of proper staining by assessing the characteristics and quality of the stained material. Responsible for the identification, accessioning, proper fixation, and processing of all tissue specimens received by the laboratory. Work requires thorough knowledge and experience in tissue orientation and embedding in paraffin wax and proper microtomy techniques of all tissue types, including bone. Performs a full range of duties involved in special processing and staining of all tissue types including skin, bone, nerve, brain and lymph nodes. Digitize glass slides by scanning with a GT 450.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• This position requires incumbent to complete a tuberculosis test.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• Moderate to heavy lifting up to 40 pounds is required.
• Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations.
• Position is designated as Inclement Weather Essential. The incumbent must make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes embedding, cutting and staining paraffin embedded tissue; and operating tissue processors and automated stainers. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-08). OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Histopathology or Biomedical Science. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts) Although not required, ASCP Certification is preferred.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address JT-DHA-DDAAFE DHA-NCR MARKET DO NOT MAIL Bethesda, MD 20889 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk