Histopathology Technologist

Summary

Histotechnologist are critical to the Pathology and Laboratory Service service at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, in Tampa, FL. The Histopathology Technologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Duties

• Major Duties: Performs all routine histology procedures including accessioning, grossing, embedding, frozen section microtomy, paraffin microtomy, H&E staining, and histochemical staining.
• Performs all immunohistochemical (IHC), direct immunofluorescence (DIF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) staining using appropriate controls, multiple detection techniques, and multiple instruments.
• Investigates, develops, tests, and integrates all complex IHC techniques, including but not limited to stain protocol research, validation of new antibodies, validation of new automated equipment, new detection kits, lot number titrations, development of double staining protocols, and testing of concentrated antibodies.
• Evaluates the validity of results obtained in relation to the test system and collection procedures.
• Microscopically interprets and correlates staining results with established staining criteria.
• Utilizes logic and anatomic pathology knowledge to determine corrective action for procedural/staining problems.
• Documents all discrepancies, modifications, and corrective actions in appropriate reports.
• Oversees inventory control for all IHC staining procedures, ensuring adequate inventory for performance of tests at all times.
• Collects, harvests and processes all control material used in Histology.
• Establishes and monitors reference values/ranges for quality control blocks to assure the accuracy and validity of results.
• Acts as a technical resource, providing training and guidance to all personnel on the most complex immunohistochemical problems and/or Mohs specimens (if applicable to the position).
• Monitors and maintains quality control of equipment and procedures in the IHC and histochemical section.
• Accurately prepares samples for transport to reference laboratories.
• Maintains integrity of patient samples throughout.
• Monitors return of results and investigates/troubleshoots unexpected delays in turnaround time.
• Researches newly ordered tests.
• Prepares STAT kidney biopsies, microscopically evaluating the quality and quantity of cortical tissue.
• Accurately separates fresh kidney core biopsy samples into differing fixatives required for routine paraffin, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy examination Monitors temperature control systems throughout the histology and Morgue sections, immediately addressing, troubleshooting and rectifying outlying results.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 11:00am – 7:30pm, Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 72085F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not 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 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.

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: 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 DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the ‘Other’ document upload field. Professional Certification
• Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans’ Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets – Veterans – Job Seekers – Veterans’ Preference.
• Veterans’ preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.