The position is located in the Histology section of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (P&LM) Service at the Erie VA Medical Center. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform specialized testing methods in accordance with Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists, and VHA regulatory agencies.
Major duties include but are not limited to: Prepares and processes surgically removed tissue and body fluids for their ultimate slide preparations, staining, and microscopic diagnosis by the pathologist. Performs gross examinations of applicable tissues documenting findings for pathologist review. Performs fixation (the stabilization of protein and tissue structures) to maintain morphological integrity through subsequent processing and staining.
Processes tissue through dehydration in graded alcohols, clearing in various solvents, and impregnating or infiltrating in a liquid paraffin-like solution. Orients and embeds tissue into paraffin blocks. Performs decalcification on ossified tissue and bone marrow biopsies recognizing the correct degree of decalcification.
Carefully processes preparations to preserve and maintain the delicate microscopic architecture of the tissue avoiding damage by over decalcification while ensuring adequate decalcification to allow for proper cutting of the sections. Cuts tissue paraffin blocks on the rotary microtome preparing slides for routine and/or specialized staining.
Performs staining using routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, and necessary special stains ensuring adequate quality control for optimal results. Troubleshoots staining difficulties. Mounts all slides with glass cover slips ensuring labeling is adhered and contains the correct information. Prepares cytology specimens by cyto-centrifugation technique.
As needed, prepares cell blocks from body fluids and cuts all cell blocks, prepares slides, and stains them for cytology screening. Maintains chemical stains and processing solutions used in the histology section. Prepares bone marrow slides bedside to attain an optimal sample sufficient for diagnosis. Maintains all histology instruments and equipment to assure optimum working conditions and reports malfunction timely for prompt repair. Appropriately documents maintenance.
Accessions all surgically removed tissue specimens and body fluids to preclude the possibility of a mix-up or loss of tissue as it is processed. Numbers and files paraffin embedded tissue blocks, slides, and gross specimens for permanent reference. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 562-06942-F / 562-06943-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Ahsha.Konate@va.gov · 412-822-1454
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $50460 – $80243/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-16.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-05 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
Apply on official site →