Summary

The Lead Histopathology Technologist is placed with Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services (PALMS) at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System - Reno - Nevada.

Qualifications

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 or Experience: 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 - a 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 - 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 - premedical - medical lab technology - chemistry - immunology - physiology - anatomy 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: Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification
• The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam: Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) OR One year of full time experience in all of the following: fixation - embedding - microtomy - processing - and staining in a histopathology (clinical - veterinary - industry - or research) laboratory
• Loss of Certification: Employees who fail to maintain the required certification must be removed from the histopathology technologist - GS-0601 occupation - which may result in termination of employment
• English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).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)
• Preferred Experience: Prior lead experience (must be able to lead/provide instruction/orientation and assign/organize workload)
• Current histology experience
• minimum 3 years laboratory experience including routine cytology specimen collection and processing and histology procedures including tissue processing - embedding - microtomy - frozen section as well as special stains (hand staining) and IHC procedures (Benchmark Ultra)
• Equipment/test troubleshooting
• research - development - testing - optimization and validation of histochemical stains - photochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols - including - but not limited to - new antibodies - probes - detection protocols/kits - new lots and concentrated antibody titrations
• Development of standard operating procedures
• Familiarity with credentialing and oversight authorities
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements listed above - the following experience criteria must be met: GS-11 Lead Histopathology Technologist - Education or Experience: At least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level - which is directly related to the position to be filled such example include but are not limited to independently performing 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.
• OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum
• OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology - or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)
• In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis
• Knowledge of histopathology techniques - chemistry - anatomy and physiology principles - theories - concepts - and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests
• Skill in applying professional - complex anatomic pathology principles - practices - concepts - and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques
• Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample
• Ability to monitor and make work assignments - balance workload - and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner
• This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work
• References: VA Handbook 5005/118 - Part II - Appendix G65 - Histopathology Technologist Qualification Standard - November 25 - 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds)
• light carrying (under 15 pounds)
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking (up to 4 hours)
• standing (up to 4 hours)
• repeated bending (up to 2 hours)
• intermittent - but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
• ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens
• ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise
• working closely with others
• high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy
• emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations
• ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required
• Applicants 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).

Duties

• The lead histopathology technologist leads departmental histopathology technicians and/or histopathology technologists or others in the performance of histopathology work
• At this level - the lead 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
• Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Performs routine histology procedures including but not limited to accessioning - grossing - tissue processing - cutting and H&E staining of surgical - biopsy - autopsy - and cell block specimens and prepares cytology non- GYN and GYN specimens
• Effectively utilizes VA computer systems/applications in the performance of work
• Operate - maintain - and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis
• Performs advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens
• Applies professional - complex anatomic pathology principles - practices - concepts - and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques
• Leads in the introduction of new tests including stain protocol research - test protocol setup - validation testing - record keeping - and documentation
• Researches - develops - tests - optimizes and validates complex histochemical stains - immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols
• Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues
• The lead histopathology technologist identifies suboptimal testing and takes corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples
• Monitors and makes work assignments - provides input on performance - resolves daily workplace issues - and maintains efficient workflow
• Assure coverage of all areas of responsibility
• Conducts ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work
• Provides guidance to staff members - to include changes in policies and procedures
• Distributing and balancing workload
• Orients and provides on-the-job training for new and current employees
• Ensures all training requirements are met in addition to organizing the work structure of his/her assigned areas
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday - 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: PD0601 and PD06777F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required