About the Position: Perform the full range of duties to include processing autopsy, biopsy and surgical specimens for histopathological analysis. Responsible for accurately preparing, cutting, staining, and mounting tissue sections using state of the art technological equipment and practices to produce the highest quality results. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Duties

Perform special processing procedures such as myocardial biopsy processing, special and immunoperoxidase stains, bone and teeth decalcification, frozen section tissue preparation 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.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Tier 3 security investigation or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• This position has been designated Mission Essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• This position has a requirement to lift up to 14 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.

Qualifications

If you are a current permanent DHA Employee employed at a "lower GS grade": You will be considered for a Temporary Promotion opportunity. A temporary promotion may be made or extended up to a maximum of 5 years. A temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition. You are encouraged to coordinate your interest in this assignment with your supervisor prior to responding to this announcement. If you are a current permanent DHA Employee employed at the "same GS grade or higher": You will be considered for a Detail opportunity. A detail may be made and/or extended in 120 day increments. A detail may be made permanent without further competition. You are encouraged to coordinate your interest in this assignment with your supervisor prior to responding to this announcement. Non-DHA Permanent Employee Applicants: You will be considered for a Temporary Position Not to Exceed 1 year, your appointment may be extended up to a maximum of 3 years. This position may be made permanent without further competition to those candidates that have non-competitive status. Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education 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; operating tissue processors and automated stainers; and conducting quality control procedures on histopathology equipment. 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. (NOTE: You must attach 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 attach a copy of your transcripts).

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-DDAAFG DHA NCR MKT-FT BELVOIR COMM HOS DO NOT MAIL Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk