Lead Histopathology Technologist

Full Job Description

This position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at VA WNY HCS, Buffalo, NY.

The incumbent functions as a Lead Histopathology Technologist with advanced knowledge of histopathology techniques and independently performs a full range of routine and specialized testing.

Technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgement and resources to resolve concerns.

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: Citizenship. Candidates must be a United States citizen. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

b. 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.

Certification. (1) Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by 3 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.

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: Education and Experience.

Must meet one of the following: (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or (c) A Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. Assignment.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

The lead histopathology technologist may lead other 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.

Must be able to 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.

The lead histopathology technologist must be skilled in applying 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, 8 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, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots and concentrated antibody titrations.

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.

Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: assuring coverage of all areas of responsibility; conducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work; providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures; distributing and balancing workload; orienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employees; and ensuring all training requirements are met in addition to organizing the work structure of his/her assigned areas.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.

(b) 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.

(c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.

(d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample.

(e) 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.

Preferred Experience: Histopathology Technologist Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. Physical Requirements: Work is demands standing up to 2 hours, walking, bending, twisting, and lifting items up to 20lbs. Major Duties:

Performs a full range of specialized testing including all processing tasks of the histopathology technology occupation involving anatomic pathology.

Applies professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.

Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation, considering physiological processes and requirements.

Research 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.

Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow.

Responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation.

Tracks contract funding, payments and follows up on audit discrepancies; provides contact evaluations to Contract Officer as required.

Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, JCAHO, AABB, and OSHA. Coordinates quality control and quality assurance activities with the Supervisor.

Coordinates proficiency testing program for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety, biosecurity, and infection prevention in the workplace.

Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00am-3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more