Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Summary

Ann Arbor, Michigan Veterans Health Administration is hiring an Advanced Histopathology Technician. Advanced Histopathology Technicians have a high level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently

Duties

• Advanced Histopathology Technicians have a high level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently.
• The technician will have the responsibility for 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 histochemical procedures.
• The technician is responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems.
• For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
• In addition to equivalent experience, knowledge, skill and ability of one year of fully successful performance as Histopathology Technician (GS6), the incumbent must demonstrate the following: -Skill in applying professional complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. -Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement, exhibiting competence in management of reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. -Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment, and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.-Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.
• Functions: -Determine pre-analytical requirements for complex specialized tissue targeted for advanced studies in Surgical Pathology and Cytology.
• Ability to calculate cold is chemictime on possible Molecular and Immunohistochemistry testing for which it is required.(Her2Neu). -Independently identify Anatomic Pathology specimens which may be undergo Molecular(PDL-1, PGD etc…) testing in the future.
• Determine optimal fixation time and processing schedule using technical judgement factors require estimated size and density of specimen, penetration rate of fixative and previous use of processing reagents.
• Instruct staff on processing.
• Consult with clinicians and their support staff as to proper procurement, fixation, submission and labeling of Anatomic Pathology specimens for diagnosis.
• Independently analyze and evaluate tests ordered and test results; work with clinicians and pathologist as need to reach resolution and provide the best possible patient care.- Coordinate complex molecular testing methods from multiples requestors.
• Ensure all pre-analytical requirements have been met; select and request the appropriate test to be performed; work with reference laboratories to ensure cost containment.
• Perform complex embedding of surgical and cytology specimens.
• Example: Exhibit technical knowledge to grossly section temporal artery specimens at time of embedding to exhibit lumen; orientate multiple minute biopsy specimens on the same plane; embedding descemet membrane cell blocks; re-embedding specimens, grossly evaluate the specimen and recognize area of possible abnormality and embed to provide microscopic observation of abnormal areas.
• Ability to independently identify and orientate tissue to exhibit diagnostic tissue components and orientation placed indicator markings.
• Provide mentoring to junior technicians in development of these skills and monitor their results.
• Perform complex microtomy of FFPE blocks.
• Exhibit technical ability to obtain multiple sections on very fine core biopsies while taking great precautions not to exhaust the block; grossly evaluate specimen and section to exhibit microscopic observation of abnormal areas.
• Ability to independently identify and orientate tissue to exhibit diagnostic tissue components and orientation placed indicator markings.
• Provide mentoring to junior technicians in development of these skills and monitor their results.
• Utilize comprehensive knowledge to problems solve issues with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Papanicolau staining of diagnostic material by manual and automated methods.
• Analyze chemical, physical, environmental and quality control aspects.
• Ability to provide the technical acuity to make minor adjustments.
• Provide mentoring to junior technicians in development of these skills and monitor their results.
• Plus other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: #91841-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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 dentification 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 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.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully.

Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document.
• This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
• Cover Letter License Resume/CV over 2 pages Other (2) Other (3) Professional Certification Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript