The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Histopathology Technologist. The Histopathology Technologist (Technical Specialist) will function under Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.

Duties

The purpose of this position is to perform highly specialized tasks which require special knowledge in, but not limited to Immunohistochemistry in conjunction with routine Histopathology duties; aids and assists the Lead Histopathology Technologist with validation studies and lot to lot comparisons; independently performs both routine and complex specialized histology techniques and procedures/tests; performance of specialized decontamination, maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on complex Histopathology equipment. The primary function includes performing advanced complex techniques on surgical, autopsied, hematopoietic and cytological specimens; utilizing specialized techniques for the examination and handling of tissue, cell buttons, bones, marrows and needle biopsies; and preparing technically adequate slides of tissue sections by processing tissue blocks, embedding tissue, cutting, staining and cover slipping. Aids lead technologist with research and development of tests. Optimizes and validates complex histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC) processes and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols. Additionally, the incumbent operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate and infiltrate with wax tissue specimens to be preserved for study by Pathologists. The incumbent sets and monitors workflow for all bench staff members ensuring that all essential tasks are preformed orderly and efficiently to aid in the accomplishment of the unit's goals. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91579-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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. 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. (1) 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 (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. (2) 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. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities: (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. This position is being announced above the full performance level at the GS-11 level. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 PART II APPENDIX G65 Physical Requirements: The work is performed in the anatomic pathology section of the laboratory within the Cleveland VAMC. Specimens are considered potentially hazardous and biohazard precautions must be followed. Use of toxic or caustic materials during procedures may be required. Personal protective equipment must be used. Safety regulations are followed as appropriate for each procedure and/or activity. Access to Material Safety Data Sheets is provided. Accidents and/or potential safety hazards must be reported to the Anatomic Pathology Supervisor and/or facility Safety Specialist for investigation and follow-up. The work requires regular physical exertion that consists of mainly long periods of standing and some bending and lifting for the handling of supplies and equipment. In addition, manual skills are required to be able to perform delicate procedures.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System 10701 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106 US
• Name: Joanna Froemsdorf
• Phone: 479-236-1904
• Email: [email protected]