This position is with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs at the Charles George VA Medical Center, located in Asheville, NC and utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, and needle biopsies; and prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining, and cover slipping. 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. Education: Individuals must meet one of the requirements below: (1) Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy; OR, (2) Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both); OR, (3) Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. c. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: (1) Candidates must currently possess the Histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. 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: Minimum Qualifications GS-9: Experience. Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Assignment: At the full performance level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Preferred Experience: 1 year of experience. Must have relevant Histology experience described in job description. References: VA Handbook 5005/118 PART II APPENDIX G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. T Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This position over sees and is involved in the implementation of special immunohistochemical procedures using enzymatic methodologies with various tumor markers to demonstrate antibody antigen reactions that have specific value to the patient's disease state. The position is accountable for Antibody Validation and Reagent Lot verification for Immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures along with the Pathologists; develops parameters for each specialized procedure being done based on knowledge and skills specific to immunohistochemical work. Duties to include, but not limited to: Performs specialized and complex immunohistochemical staining of tissue samples as well as routine histopathology work such as complex analyses to assess the diagnostic value of tissue. Must be able to utilize both semi-automated and fully-automated instrumentations. Rapidly performs error-free microtomy of frozen sections with use of a cryostat Develops protocols and test appropriate quality control materials and implement Quality Improvement protocols for this section Fixation and processing of surgical bone marrow and cytologic specimens, including but not limited to dehydration, clearing, infiltration, sectioning, and staining of histological materials and the preparation and staining of cytological specimens. Decalcification of tissues to provide optimal quality section, embedding tissue to give proper orientation for diagnostic interpretation. Preparing Smears, cell blocks, and monolayers by ThinPrep according to standard techniques and applying appropriate stains. Preparing tissue for transport using appropriate preservative and determines the correct handling for each specimen. Performs specimen transport/retrieval from other areas of the Medical Center as needed and will accession histological and cytological specimens Packages specimens, slides, and reports for transport to other facilities and ensures accurate documentation of same. Investigates, evaluates and establishes quality control materials for measuring the validity and accuracy of results. Operates all equipment (including required maintenance and QC functions) in the section and can adapt equipment for specialized procedures. Responsible for troubleshooting instrumentation and if possible, resolving problems. Conserving maintenance equipment records, documentation of equipment checks, temperature monitoring, and determine accuracy of staining procedures via control standards. Maintains compliance with Joint Commission, and VA accreditation standards, policies, and procedures for anatomic pathology. Determines that specimens are correctly labeled and have appropriate request information and will find solutions to problems of incorrect or inadequate labeling, wrong preservative used, inadequate specimens, etc. Assists in the collection and interpretation of data for Anatomic Pathology QA programs. Maintains an accurate filing system or organization of histological materials so the blocks, slides, and tissues are retrievable with minimum effort. Trains other health care workers including technicians, technologists, nurses, and administrative personnel concerning Anatomical Pathology specimen collection. Participates in the orientatian and training of new employees in the Anatomic Pathology section. Must demonstrate high quality Customer Service using skill, tact, and professional courtesy when dealing with these contacts. Independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. Uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques. Perform gross dissections per discretion of Chief Pathologist Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results