This position is located in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas. The Histopathology Technologist performs a variety of routine to highly complex histological testing, including routine Histology, special stains, frozen sections, immunohistochemistry, & direct immunofluorescence.
A Histopathology Technologist is accountable and responsible for: Performs all elements of sectioning of all types of surgical pathology/autopsy specimens. Handles all types of human tissue which may include: receiving, checking, accepting, timing, logging, storing and/or shipping, if necessary. Uses thorough knowledge of tissue processing based on the type of tissue. Able to understand and appropriately load the cassettes using the different processing protocols.
Ensures that all tissue samples are properly oriented when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimen being prepared (e.g. shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue). Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small or complex specimens, choosing appropriate microtome knives and section thickness. Sharpens microtome knives.
Uses knowledge and skills to use the routine auto-stainer and be familiar with manual Hematoxylin and Eosin staining procedures in case of failure of the instrument. Microscopically examines hematoxylin and eosin stained sections to assess the quality of staining. Prepares frozen tissue sections for special immunological studies which includes; selecting, freezing, cutting (microtomy) and staining tissue for Frozen Section exam by the Pathologist. Employs the cryostat.
Decontaminates, cleans and maintains the cryostat. Follows all the quality control procedures required in the frozen section area. Maintains QA files of blocks and slides needed to perform special stains and immunohistochemical stains in the laboratory.
Stains tissue sections using special stains as required, including, but not limited to: Acid Fast, Alcian Blue, Congo Red, Fontana-Masson, Giemsa, Gram, Iron, Melanin, Methenamine Silver, Mucicarmine, PAS-Schiff, and Trichrome. Incumbent should know which stain to employ to demonstrate particular tissue elements and properties (e.g. Congo Red for amyloid, Fontana Masson for melanin) and be able to interpret positive controls used for these procedures.
As special staining requires microscopic differentiation for acceptance, examines the slides microscopically and accepts or rejects them on the basis of proper staining reaction within the control slides. Troubleshoots all problems with special staining procedures and implements changes. All decisions involving tissue preparation for light microscopy are determined through experience and knowledge of histopathology.
Prepares all stains and chemical solutions with a competent, practical knowledge of chemistry. This includes alteration and standardization of pH and concentration of the solutions (percent, molar and/or normal), reagents, buffers and stains, using pH meters, analytical balances and mixers. Since many of these reagents and solutions are toxic, caustic or flammable (e.g. Silver solutions, formaldehyde, acids, alcohols).
Performs complex immunohistochemical stains and procedures including, but not limited to, special pre-treatment procedures, antigen retrieval, enzymatic digestion, antibody diluting, and titers. Troubleshoots and corrects problems with these procedures and maintains records and QA data as necessary. Procures and maintains adequate control blocks for immunohistochemical stains.
Prepares the blocks with both positive and negative controls under the direction of the lab director. Prepares, maintains and operates instruments according to instructions. Keeps a log of preventative maintenance, temperature checks, instrument problems, etc. Recognizes instrument or equipment malfunction or trends, initiates corrective action when necessary. Performs Quality Control checks on reagents, procedures and equipment: evaluates results.
Evaluates the validity of patient data in relation to the test procedure and expected results. When data is suspected to be erroneous, investigates for obvious procedural or instrument faults and alerts the supervisor. Alerts appropriate personnel (supervisor, physician, and/or Pathologist) to critical or significantly abnormal results. Investigates and resolves problems related to surgical pathology.
Ensures that the goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. Exercises all required safety guidelines and works with great care in handling the specimens and uses personal protective equipment including face shields, masks, gloves, and laboratory coats according to established guidelines. Remains familiar with the requirements and regulations of accreditation agencies such as CAP.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-02156: GS-07; 580-00831: GS-09 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
EDUCATION: The candidate must possess one of the below degrees: (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; You must submit a transcript showing you were awarded a bachelor's or higher degree meeting the above requirements to receive credit.
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); You must submit a transcript showing you were awarded a bachelor's degree meeting the outlined requirements to receive credit.
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.
You must submit a transcript showing you completed two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree that meets the above requirements to receive credit. 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/.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $58193 – $92541/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-05.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-29 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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