Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Advanced Histopathology Technician

Advanced Histopathology Technicians have a high level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The technician will have the responsibility for performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical and Immunohistochemical procedures as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histochemical procedures. The technician is responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. In addition to equivalent experience, knowledge, skill and ability of one year of fully successful performance as Histopathology Technician (GS6), the incumbent must demonstrate the following:

• Skill in applying professional complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement, exhibiting competence in management of reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
• Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment, and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.

Functions:

• Determine pre-analytical requirements for complex specialized tissue targeted for advanced studies in Surgical Pathology and Cytology. Ability to calculate cold is chemictime on possible Molecular and Immunohistochemistry testing for which it is required (Her2Neu).
• Independently identify Anatomic Pathology specimens which may be undergo Molecular (PDL-1, PGD etc.…) testing in the future. Determine optimal fixation time and processing schedule using technical judgement factors require estimated size and density of specimen, penetration rate of fixative and previous use of processing reagents. Instruct staff on processing.
• Consult with clinicians and their support staff as to proper procurement, fixation, submission and labeling of Anatomic Pathology specimens for diagnosis.
• Independently analyze and evaluate tests ordered and test results; work with clinicians and pathologist as need to reach resolution and provide the best possible patient care.
• Coordinate complex molecular testing methods from multiple requestors. Ensure all pre-analytical requirements have been met; select and request the appropriate test to be performed; work with reference laboratories to ensure cost containment.
• Perform complex embedding of surgical and cytology specimens. Example: Exhibit technical knowledge to grossly section temporal artery specimens at time of embedding to exhibit lumen; orientate multiple minute biopsy specimens on the same plane; embedding descemet membrane cell blocks; re-embedding specimens, grossly evaluate the specimen and recognize area of possible abnormality and embed to provide microscopic observation of abnormal areas. Ability to independently identify and orientate tissue to exhibit diagnostic tissue components and orientation placed indicator markings. Provide mentoring to junior technicians in development of these skills and monitor their results.
• Perform complex microtomy of FFPE blocks. Exhibit technical ability to obtain multiple sections on very fine core biopsies while taking great precautions not to exhaust the block; grossly evaluate specimen and section to exhibit microscopic observation of abnormal areas. Ability to independently identify and orientate tissue to exhibit diagnostic tissue components and orientation placed indicator markings. Provide mentoring to junior technicians in development of these skills and monitor their results.
• Utilize comprehensive knowledge to problems solve issues with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Papanicolau staining of diagnostic material by manual and automated methods. Analyze chemical, physical, environmental and quality control aspects. Ability to provide the technical acuity to make minor adjustments. Provide mentoring to junior technicians in development of these skills and monitor their results.
• Plus other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: #91841-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized