Histopathology Technologist
The position is located in the Histology section of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (P&LM) Service at the Erie VA Medical Center. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform specialized testing methods in accordance with Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists, and VHA regulatory agencies.
Major duties include but are not limited to: Prepares and processes surgically removed tissue and body fluids for their ultimate slide preparations, staining, and microscopic diagnosis by the pathologist. Performs gross examinations of applicable tissues documenting findings for pathologist review. Performs fixation (the stabilization of protein and tissue structures) to maintain morphological integrity through subsequent processing and staining. Processes tissue through dehydration in graded alcohols, clearing in various solvents, and impregnating or infiltrating in a liquid paraffin-like solution. Orients and embeds tissue into paraffin blocks. Performs decalcification on ossified tissue and bone marrow biopsies recognizing the correct degree of decalcification. Carefully processes preparations to preserve and maintain the delicate microscopic architecture of the tissue avoiding damage by over decalcification while ensuring adequate decalcification to allow for proper cutting of the sections. Cuts tissue paraffin blocks on the rotary microtome preparing slides for routine and/or specialized staining. Performs staining using routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, and necessary special stains ensuring adequate quality control for optimal results. Troubleshoots staining difficulties. Mounts all slides with glass cover slips ensuring labeling is adhered and contains the correct information. Prepares cytology specimens by cyto-centrifugation technique. As needed, prepares cell blocks from body fluids and cuts all cell blocks, prepares slides, and stains them for cytology screening. Maintains chemical stains and processing solutions used in the histology section. Prepares bone marrow slides bedside to attain an optimal sample sufficient for diagnosis. Maintains all histology instruments and equipment to assure optimum working conditions and reports malfunction timely for prompt repair. Appropriately documents maintenance. Accessions all surgically removed tissue specimens and body fluids to preclude the possibility of a mix-up or loss of tissue as it is processed. Numbers and files paraffin embedded tissue blocks, slides, and gross specimens for permanent reference. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 562-06942-F / 562-06943-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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). 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.