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Summary This Histopathology Technician position is in Pathology and Laboratory Service at the Richmond VA Medical Center, located in Richmond, Virginia. As crucial members of the McGuire VA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, histopathology technicians possess the knowledge and skills to process anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples obtained from the Veteran by a clinician. Responsibilities The Histopathology Technician at the GS-7 level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The 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. This position requires practical knowledge of the anatomic pathology laboratory practice in one or both areas (i.e. Histopathology and Cytology).The duties and responsibilities of the Histopathology Technician includes but are not limited to the following: Identifies and cuts minute pieces of tissue on both Microtome and Microtome Cryostat for rapid frozen sections such as for MOHS Performs specialized, complex double and triple histochemical testing, staining and arduous special staining of tissue samples. Decalcifies tissue by determining the proper solution. Embeds tissue to give proper orientation for diagnostic interpretation. Performs all routine histopathology work; accessioning, processing tissue, embedding, cutting and staining for microscopic examination of tissue. Determines accuracy of staining such as routine and MOHS H&E (hematoxylin and eosin), and specials such as Mason's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry through analysis of control slides Advises Pathologists and Residents, when asked, in the treatment or staining of certain tissue. Stains frozen sections with H&E immunofluorescent reagents and other immunohistochemical reagents. Investigates, evaluates, and assists with establishing quality control materials for measuring the validity and accuracy of the stain. Routinely performs difficult and complex testing using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to detect various antigens on the surface of cells, in the cytoplasm of cells, and in the nucleus, by immunologic techniques. Develops and implements all new staining procedures, including special immunohistochemical and immunoperoxidase procedures using enzymatic methodologies. Performs complex operations, calibrations, troubleshooting and maintenance on all equipment in the section. Assists the prosector/pathologist in the performance of the autopsy. Determines what type of tissue is being cut to obtain the proper thickness required for different tissue and stains. Determines when a complete section has been obtained, with all margins and structures in the block visible. Evaluates specimen type, such as kidney, brain, lung, etc., for testing method appropriateness. Work Schedule: M-F; 6:00am - 2:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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 Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Experience and Education: (1) 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 technician. OR, (2) Education (a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry; or (b) 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 cytotechnology. OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples 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 position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. Six 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 Forces. 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 Technician, GS-7 (Advanced) (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized 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. 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. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In 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 problems. Preferred Experience: 2 years cutting and embedding human tissue Immunohistochemical staining experience Certification eligible for HT. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 April 6, 2018 PART II APPENDIX G55 Histopathology Technician GS-0646 Qualifications Standard. Physical Requirements: . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.