Lead Histopathology Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit seeks a Lead Histopathology Technologist to supervise tissue processing and staining workflows. The role requires leadership, histopathology expertise, and a strong focus on quality control to ensure accurate diagnostic results.

Candidates must meet education/certification requirements and be eligible for ASCP HTL certification. This is a demanding, fast-paced laboratory leadership position within Pathology and Laboratory Services.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required for appointment; non-citizens may be referred per VA policy.
• English proficiency in speaking and writing is required.
• ASCP HTL certification required or eligible per NAACLS guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead histopathology duties and supervise staff in tissue processing and staining.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot histology instrumentation.
• Develop, validate, and implement complex stain protocols and tests.
• Ensure accurate workflow, quality control, and timely reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Histopathology knowledge

Quality assurance

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in health sciences or allied field

30 biology and chemistry semester hours

2 years graduate education with clinical practicum

PhD in histopathology or related field

Job description

This position is located at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit under the Pathology and Laboratory Services. The Lead Histopathology Technologist facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management. 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

• 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.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

Lead Histopathology Technologist - i

in addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, the following experience criteria must be met:

GS-11

Education and Experience.

Must meet one of the following:

1. (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or
2. (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or
3. (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 the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
• 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.
• Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample.
• 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.

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, 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. Continues under additional information......

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted )and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.