Anatomic Pathology Specialist (Histotechnologist)

Duties

• Perform histopathology operations by applying scientific principles from biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology for diagnostic microscopic, cellular, and molecular analyses.
• Evaluate the clinic acceptability of submitted tissue specimens and patient test requisitions to ensure compliance with diagnostic testing criteria.
• Manage diagnostic testing workflows and specimen records using electronic clinical and laboratory data systems to maintain specimen integrity.
• Execute histochemical, special staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) methodologies to meet organizational and regulatory requirements for clinical procedures.
• Validate staining protocols, antibody panels, and diagnostic controls by researching and optimizing methods based on patientcare requirements and clinical provider needs.
• Verify outgoing diagnostic work by reviewing gross descriptions and checking compliance with established laboratory protocols to ensure clinical validity, technical accuracy, and timely completion.
• Validate the diagnostic efficacy of staining procedures, chemical reagents, and tissue fixing fluids by correlating histochemical reactions to identify defects and establish corrective processing parameters.
• Examine prepared slides using microscopy equipment to accept or reject samples based on staining quality, cellular representation, and histological landmark clarity.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11.
• This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
• The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs and subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter.
• This position has been designated as "Mission Essential". Incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations in the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter. Incumbent may be required to lift up to 40lbs.
• Employees assigned to a medical treatment facility are required to be screened for applicable immunizations or pre-existing immunity based on occupational risk, regardless of job series unless exempted by appropriate medical professional.
• This position has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is subject to annual vaccination unless exempted by appropriate medical professional.
• Incumbent must possess a current, active, valid, and unrestricted certification as a Histotechnologist in a State, a territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is .

Basic Requirement for an Anatomic Pathology Specialist (Histotechnologist):

Degree: Bachelor's or graduate (or higher level) 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. This degree must be from an educational program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) perform diagnostic testing workflows using lab data systems; 2) processing patient tissue submissions; 3) executing special staining methods for clinical procedures; 4) validating the preserving, packaging, and/or dispatch of clinical specimens. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).

OR

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Biology, Chemistry, Cytotechnology, or Histotechnology.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Incumbent MUST possess a current and valid certification as a Histotechnologist in a State, a territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: .

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• Advanced In-hire incentive MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Advanced Leave incentive MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.