Histopathology Technologist

This Histopathology Technologist position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Service at the VA Manchester Healthcare System located at the Manchester, New Hampshire location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

The duties of this Histopathology Technologist include, but are not limited to: Receives and/or obtains specimens using appropriate techniques, maintaining proper identification. Performs all elements of gross examination and sectioning of all types of surgical pathology specimens. Prepares specimens for analysis according to the specifications of the procedure. Handles all types of human tissue which may include receiving, checking, accepting, timing, logging, storing and/or shipping, if necessary. Provides technical guidance to ensure all tissues are properly oriented when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimen being prepared (e.g., shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue). Accessions and prepares all cytological specimens including sputa, body secretions, fluids, Thin-Preps, and fine needle aspirates. The incumbent exercises all required safety guidelines and works with great care in handling the specimens and uses personal protective equipment including face shields, goggles, masks, gloves, aprons, and laboratory coats. Prepares frozen tissue sections for special immunological studies which includes selecting, freezing, cutting (microtomy) and staining tissue for rush/stat (Frozen Section) exam by the Pathologist. Employs the cryostat. Investigation and resolution of problems related to surgical pathology. Teaches and trains other laboratory personnel to perform cutting and staining techniques as it pertains to the scope of Manchester Histology Department. Maintains QA files of blocks and slides needed to perform special stains in the laboratory. The incumbent can troubleshoot all problems with special staining procedures and implements changes. All decisions involving tissue preparation for light microscopy are determined through experience and knowledge of histopathology. Performs complex stains and procedures including, but not limited to, special pretreatment procedures and frozen section microtomy. Troubleshoots and corrects problems with these procedures and maintains records and QA data as necessary. Performs SNOMED code searches of the VISTA database to identify blocks and tissues from cases to be used as positive controls for staining procedures. Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small simple or complex specimens, choosing appropriate microtome knives and section thickness. Sharpens microtome knives. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F06481 and F06480 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized at supervisor discretion. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Notifications: This position is covered by a locality salary rate. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position, title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (competitive or excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement. Selectee will be required to complete additional forms to proceed with employment process.