Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

DetailsPosted: 05-May-26Location: Syracuse, New YorkCategoriesAllied HealthInternal Number: 867747000SummaryThe advanced histopathology technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological - histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures - as well as developing - modifying - or adapting new staining methods or techniques - improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsCitizenship: Citizen of the United States(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) Experience and Education Experience: One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technicianOR - Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistryor Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnologyOR - Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptableExamples are listed below: Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science - surgical technician courses or other courses related to the positionor an associate's degree in a health care related fieldSix months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians - hospital corpsmen - medical service specialists - or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed ForcesCertification: NonePhysical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5.a. - this partMay 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 Technician - GS-7 (Advanced) ExperienceOne year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade levelDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs(a) Skill in applying professional - complex anatomic pathology principles - practices - concepts - and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques(b) Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems(c) Ability to validate methodologies - operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting(d) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problemsReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.DutiesThe duties and responsibilities of the Histopathology Technician include but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology - i.esurgical pathology - autopsy pathology and cytopathologyPerforms advanced and complex laboratory proceduresrecognizes deviation from expected resultsanalyzes and corrects problems using scientific principlesEvaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirementsMaintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipmentUses - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipmentDiagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunctionPerforms and documents quality control - quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement - as applicableIdentifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutionsEvaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledgeInterprets findings and makes recommendationsIncorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education programCommunicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team memberProvides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers - patients - and others)Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principlesEnsures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimenPrepares technically adequate slides of surgical - cytology - and autopsy specimens by processing - embedding tissue - cutting - staining and coverslippingUtilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks - frozen sections - bone marrows - autopsies - and fine-needle biopsiesExamines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirementsIdentifies problems in processing and staining procedures and makes necessary adjustments as needed for diagnostic purposesWork Schedule: Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.mto 4:30 p.mTelework: Not availableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 13979FRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.Create a Job Match for Similar JobsLogoAbout Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health AdministrationThe Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.Connections working at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health AdministrationMore Jobs from This Employerhttps://careercenter.ascls.org/jobs/22253087/histopathology-technician-advanced