Summary

This position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System in Ann Arbor - Michigan.

Qualifications

English Language Proficiency In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. ~AND~ All applicants must meet the following Basic Education Requirement: Basic Education (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Requires Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field - health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained. ~AND~ In addition to the Basic Education Requirement - to qualify for the GS-9 level - you must meet one of the following requirements: Experience: Possess one (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position - and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable - specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes providing technical and administrative assistance of pathology grossing areas - frozen section areas and an autopsy suite; serving as technical consultant and advisor to pathologists - laboratory managers/supervisors - medical staff (both local and external) regarding policies - procedures - and practices related to anatomic pathology. ~OR~ Education: Successful completion of two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field - health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. NOTE: If you select this option - you must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience - as described above - which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must have provided the knowledge - skills - and abilities necessary to do the work of this position (as described above). NOTE: Copies of transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Attention to Detail Biology Diagnostic Medical Testing IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such 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; religious; 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged standing (standing/walking for up to four hours per day) - bending over microscopes - reaching for supplies or materials - and lifting. The work involves moderate to high physical activity. Requires the handling of deceased patients. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as dexterity (to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures). Work Environment: The work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements - such as extreme temperatures - toxic chemicals and bio-hazardous materials. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions. The work area is adequately lit and ventilated. The risk of exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations does exist and require following extensive safety precautions and will include the use of personal protective equipment. For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Duties

• ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION - YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** The Pathologist Specialist serves as an assistant to the pathologists in Anatomic Pathology
• The activities include and are not limited to examination and/or preparation of the surgical pathology specimens - molecular send out testing - digital pathology - and quality control
• Assist in the performance - examination and preparation of surgical pathology specimens under the supervision of a pathologist - with appropriate work being countersigned by the pathologist
• Label and store gross tissue specimens
• Establish and monitor quality control/ record keeping systems and measures to ensure the accuracy and validity of test results
• Create - use or modify logic to determine corrective action for procedural/staining problems
• Document all discrepancies - modifications and corrections actions in appropriate reports and seek guidance from a supervisor or a pathologist when additional information is necessary
• Prepare - modify and improve operating procedures in Anatomic Pathology
• Perform all technical and non-technical routine and advanced duties in Anatomic Pathology
• Communicate with Oncologists and Pathologist when gathering materials including patient information - tissue and slides and determining appropriate and relevant material for Molecular and Genomic testing
• Perform examination and processing of pathology specimens including fixing - gross examination - orientation - cutting and dissecting - photographing - and sectioning of patient autopsy - biopsy and surgical specimens
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized