Histopathology Technician

Summary

About the Position: This position is located at the Army Medical Center Madigan, Tacoma Washington Department of Pathology, Anatomical Pathology Service. Provides histopathology support within the Anatomical Pathology Service at Madigan Army Medical Center under the Chief of Pathology. Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized. Salary negotiation may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Duties

• Prepare tissue specimens of all sizes and conditions from any part of the body for diagnostic examination by the pathologist.
• Assist pathologists during specimen cutting and determine the appropriate methods for preparing tissue for microscopic examination.
• Operate complex immunohistochemical stainers to produce targeted immunostains.
• Freeze, cut (cryotomy) and stain tissue for intraoperative rapid diagnosis in the surgical operating room.
• Plan and organize day-to-day responsibilities within the histology section.
• Maintain an organize file system for pathologic materials, including slides, blocks, and tissues.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting pathologists during specimen cutting and determining appropriate preparation methods for microscopic analysis; preparing tissue specimens of varying sizes and conditions for diagnostic examination; and troubleshooting, adjusting, and performing minor repairs on cryostats. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. Certification: Histotechnician (HT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification issued by the ASCP Board of Certification, to be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates. Other Information

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.