Histopathology Technologist (Advanced)

Veterans Health Administration•Orlando, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Histopathology Technologist (Advanced) is a staff position in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Orlando VA Medical Center. The role performs complex laboratory functions and a full range of routine and specialized histopathology testing, serving as a technical expert and advisor to laboratory and professional medical staff. Testing includes histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures, as well as advanced testing such as fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, according to laboratory needs. The technologist performs laboratory work from wet tissue processing through slide preparation for anatomic pathology, including surgical and autopsy pathology. The role applies scientific principles from biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology; adapts methods to new or unusual cases; troubleshoots specialized tests and instrumentation; and uses independent judgment to address suboptimal specimens and testing concerns. The incumbent organizes and prioritizes simultaneous assignments and serves as a resource to other technologists. The position also serves as the section Safety Coordinator, overseeing safe handling of specimens, chemicals, equipment, and laboratory waste. Responsibilities include regulatory compliance, quality-control and maintenance documentation, specimen accessioning and acceptability review, staff training and continuing education, and support for autopsy documentation and consultation materials. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours and possible weekend or holiday rotation based on service needs. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
A qualifying bachelor's degree in a related health or allied sciences field; alternatively, a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, or qualifying graduate education leading to a master's degree in a related field.
Current Histotechnologist (HTL) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification.
For the GS-11 grade, one year of directly related experience equivalent to GS-9, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education including a clinical practicum, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field including a clinical practicum.
Knowledge of histopathology techniques and of chemistry, anatomy, and physiology sufficient to process specimens and perform routine and specialized tests.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of instrumentation used to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
Skill applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate effects on patient samples.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous individual and team assignments.
Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and their interconnectivity.
Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures.
Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope; knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to identify ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
Ability to communicate safety regulations and guidelines and ensure staff compliance, including through continuing education and employee orientation.
Skill in planning and administering an ongoing laboratory continuing-education program to meet accreditation standards.
Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory-system instrumentation.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and required background/security investigation; selected applicants are subject to drug screening and must complete onboarding requirements.
Must meet the seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA health care personnel.
Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
Foreign education used to qualify must be evaluated by an ASCP-approved organization and deemed equivalent to U.S. education; qualifying foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience in gross examination, dictation, and sampling or sectioning of all types of surgical specimens for microscopic examination.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and specialized laboratory procedures from wet tissue processing through slide preparation for surgical and autopsy pathology.
Perform histochemical and immunohistochemistry testing and advanced procedures such as FISH, CISH, and gross dissection as laboratory needs dictate.
Independently evaluate and process routine, specialized, new, or unusual specimens, adapting methods to the case and applying anatomic pathology principles.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation used to prepare specimens for diagnosis; identify suboptimal testing or specimen issues and take corrective action.
Act as a technical resource and advisor to laboratory and professional medical staff and guide other technologists in preparing difficult specimens.
Organize, coordinate, and prioritize individual and team assignments, including simultaneous tasks and work during short staffing or heavy workload.
Introduce new tests, including researching stain protocols, establishing and validating test protocols, and maintaining records and documentation.
Serve as section Safety Coordinator; oversee safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment and ensure staff adherence to safety requirements.
Direct or ensure proper disposal of laboratory waste in accordance with hazardous-waste policies.
Ensure compliance with applicable VHA, facility, local, state, and federal safety requirements and regulations, including requirements of NEO, OIG, FDA, CAP, TJC, AABB, EPA, and OSHA.
Assist with investigations, corrective actions, and records or document retention related to FDA manufacturer instrument or reagent recalls.
Instruct and train new employees and students and contribute to the laboratory's in-service and continuing-education program.
Maintain quality-control records and preliminarily review QC, maintenance, and corrective-action logs before submission to the Supervisor for monthly review; report discrepancies to the Supervisor, Director, or designee.
Receive and accession samples, verify patient identifiers and tissue site/laterality, and confirm required information is provided.
Independently assess whether submitted material is acceptable and return unacceptable specimens with an explanation to the contributor, acting for the Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.
Package blocks and slides for consultation or quality review.
Assist pathologist physicians with preparation of Autopsy Provisional Anatomic Diagnosis reports and follow up on completion and filing of Autopsy Quality Assurance Forms.
Perform other duties as assigned.