This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 14, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be subsequent cut-off dates on a bi-weekly basis . Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. Education: 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, 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: (a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS); OR (b) 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. Grade Determinations: GS-9 (Full Performance Level) 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: (a) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. (b) 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. (c) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. (d) Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. (e) Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 Part II Appendix G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The position will include moderate lifting, (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking (8 hours), and standing (8 hours), ability to distinguish basic colors and shades. ["Major Duties: 1.Performs all routine histology procedures including accessioning, grossing, embedding, frozen section microtomy, paraffin microtomy, H&E staining, and histochemical staining. 2. Performs all immunohistochemical (IHC), direct immunofluorescence (DIF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) staining using appropriate controls, multiple detection techniques, and multiple instruments. 3. Performs quality control in complex IHC techniques, including but not limited to new detection kits, lot number titrations, and testing of concentrated antibodies. 4. 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. 5. Utilizes logic and anatomic pathology knowledge to determine corrective action for procedural/staining problems. Documents all discrepancies, modifications, and corrective actions in appropriate reports. 6. Collects, harvests and processes control material used in histochemistry and IHC. 7. Provides training and guidance to personnel to satisfy competency requirements for regulatory directives. 8. Monitors and maintains quality control of equipment and procedures in the histology section. 9. Monitors temperature control systems throughout the histology and Morgue sections immediately addressing, troubleshooting and rectifying outlying results. 10. 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. 11. Prepares STAT muscle biopsies using liquid nitrogen cooled isopentane, ensuring minimal ice crystal formation and assuring preservation of labile enzymes and histomorphology. 12. 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. 13. Collects all necessary statistical and administrative data within designated timeframes. 14. Organizes, coordinates, and prioritizes simultaneous work assignments, completing all work within designated timeframes. 15. Ensures laboratory security by following all established hospital policies and procedures. 16. Maintains safe, clean and organized work area. 17. Adheres to established general laboratory safety and infection control guidelines as described in the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan, VAMC emergency plans and Hospital safety manuals. 18. Appropriately disposes of laboratory waste in accordance with hazardous waste policies. 19. Job functions are not limited to the above and may include additional duties or tasks to fulfill the responsibilities of the position and the needs of the laboratory. Work Schedule: 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, Rotating weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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