The Lead Histopathology Technologist position is located at the St. Louis VA John Cochran division within the Pathology and Laboratory service. The Lead Histopathology Technologist carries out all of the testing responsibilities of the full performance level but has higher levels of professional responsibilities and expertise. 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. § 7403(f). 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: 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. Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. This exception only applies at the entry level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must have HTL certification. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified histopathology technologists may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, non-board-certified histopathology technologists must meet one of the ASCP histotechnologist eligibility routes at the date of their appointment and must actively pursue certification from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the histopathology technologist with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain board certification by the prescribed date will result in removal from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupational series and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Certification. Employees who fail to maintain the required certification must be removed from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupation, which may result in termination of employment. 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: In addition to the above basic requirements, candidates must also meet the below grade requirements: Experience: (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. 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 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 PART II APPENDIX G65 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["St. Louis VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. The duties and responsibilities include but are limited to: Processing of anatomic pathology specimens in surgical pathology gross room and histology laboratory. Perform renal biopsy adequacy evaluation during Radiology procedures. Preparing tissue for frozen section evaluation Performing or requesting specialized tests including histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, flow cytometry and other ancillary studies Performs general maintenance of laboratory equipment. Assists supervisors and team members with other duties and special projects as needed. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students in the laboratory. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Utilizes, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis while considering physiological processes, pertinent biochemical reactions, and accreditation/regulatory requirements. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Preferred Qualifications Experience in working in clinical surgical pathology laboratory setting with thorough understanding of surgical pathology gross room processes and procedures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate with laboratory staff. Ability to maintain complete and organized records/reports. Specific experience as pathology assistant or histotechnologist with surgical pathology gross room experience. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm Telework: Not eligible for telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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