Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

The Histopathology technician is responsible for the activities of the anatomic pathology (Histology) section of the laboratory. Provides authoritative advice and consultation in the Histology section as they apply to the Anatomic Pathology laboratory. Implements and maintains Histology functions and workload recording, taking into account compliance principles. Serves as the local expert for the Histology section.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Major duties include but are not limited to: Receives all requests and specimens for testing at the laboratory. Is responsible for embedding tissue of all sizes in the proper medium and in the proper manner for correct sectioning. Performs frozen section preparations. Frozen section preparation includes selection of pathogenic portions of the specimen; marking it for correct orientation and identification of the tumor margins, freezing the unfixed specimen; sectioning it with a cryostat microtome and staining and cover slipping the slide. Prepares specimens for cytological exam using filter preparations and blocks. Performs staining of tissue sections, including histochemical and other advanced staining techniques. Assists the pathologist or pathology resident with surgical gross description and processing. Serves as an autopsy assistant. Adapts and develops new test and staining procedures. Assists residents, fellows and physicians during bone marrow collection procedures by ensuring that bone marrow aspirate slides are correctly made and air-dried, biopsy specimens are placed in the appropriate fixative and specimens for flow cytometry and cytogenetics are mixed to prevent clotting. Provides technical guidance to technicians/technologists when quality control or instrument problems occur. Documents appropriate instrument maintenance and perform proper routine maintenance. Assists in preparation for external reviews by Joint Commission, IG, SOARS, CAP, FDA, etc which includes completing survey questionnaires, updating and revising appropriate policies, and assuring that records are accurate and maintained appropriately. Trains staff on the inspection and accreditation rules and regulations. Assists in maintaining appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the assigned sections (Histology). Assists in calibration, standardization, and adjustments of instruments, verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks; and identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: A relocation incentive may be authorized for Federal employees who must change worksite and physically relocate to a different geographic area. A recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified non-federal employee applicants. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.