The Advanced Histopathology Technician will carry out tasks of considerable difficulty independently; has the responsibility of embedding, cutting, staining and performing frozen sections; perform difficult specialized special immunohistochemical (IHC) staining procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new processes or techniques and improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. Recruitment Incentive Authorized for highly qualified candidates Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education (1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician. OR, (2) Education (a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry; or (b) Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology. OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces. Specialized Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; utilizing independent judgment to perform the full range of duties including analyzing and evaluating laboratory results. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: (a) Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. (c) Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. (d) Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 PART II APPENDIX G55 Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time, light to moderate lifting and carrying, straight pulling and/or pushing, walking and/or standing, repeated bending and/or reaching above the shoulders, use of both legs, both hands and fingers, fine motor skills, ability to for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to see in both eyes, such as depth perception is required, hand-eye coordination, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), multiple repetitive motion activities and the hands, wrists, and arms. ["Duties include by not limited to: Uses independent judgement based on established specimen labeling policies to resolve problems through to completion by contacting appropriate providers/clinics and providing documentation as necessary to track for quality improvement initiatives. Analyzes and troubleshoots equipment issues using independent technical knowledge and judgement. Displays a willingness to troubleshoot both minor and complex equipment malfunctions. Analyzes staining results and troubleshoots staining failures. Uses knowledge of staining concepts and theories to alter automated and manual staining protocols to achieve optimal staining patterns. Uses professional learned skills and principles during frozen section procedures to mount and cut highly difficult and challenging cases in a timely manner. Performs a broad platform of immunohistochemical and special stains as well as determines and develops the appropriate positive and negative control tissue to be used for special staining and IHC staining to achieve expected results and to comply with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm, No weekends/holidays\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRecruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified candidates, who meet all regulatory requirements.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]