Pathology Specialist

Summary This position manages the operations of Anatomic Pathology (Surgical Pathology and Autopsy) under the supervision of the Chief of Surgical Pathology, Section Chief of Tissue Processing and Transcription, and Supervisory Health Science Specialist at the VA Medical Center in Tampa, FL. Learn more about this agency Duties ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Functions as a team with the anatomic pathologists by participating in the accessioning, examination, dissection, and processing of tissue samples, performing STAT intraoperative testing, functioning as an autopsy assistant, and when necessary performing autopsies and generating autopsy reports to be reviewed by the pathologist. Works in conjunction with the Chiefs of Surgical Pathology, Section Chief of Tissue Processing and Transcription, Chief of Autopsy, and the Supervisor Health Sciences Specialist to help coordinate the operations of the Surgical Pathology and Autopsy sections, including the integration and education of pathology residents, medical students, and various medical personnel. Independently plans and carries out assignments in order to accomplish the goals of the service in a timely manner as well as solving complex diagnostic problems and modifying or adapting new methods or techniques to expand and improve the service. Works under the supervision of a pathologist to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis of diseases, supporting the pathology service by aiding the pathologists in examining specimens and managing laboratory operations. Expertly correlates the pathophysiology of disease processes; to recognize and identify normal tissue, abnormalities, and disease entities (both expected and unexpected); to identify the type and purpose of surgery performed, to orient the tissues and organs to expected anatomic position; and to select samples for microscopic evaluation which enable the pathologist to provide complete diagnostic and staging information and an accurate final diagnosis upon which therapeutic decisions are based. Executes the best methods of sampling tissue for microscopic examination, utilizing and adapting numerous sampling techniques including routine and special processing techniques for documenting disease, and evaluates the adequacy of the surgical procedure for the removal of disease. Performs STAT intraoperative frozen sections, making critical judgements such as weighing clinician and pathologist's requests with tissue sectioning options while considering the limitations of frozen section testing all while keeping specimen integrity and ultimate patient outcome at the forefront of each decision and producing high quality results in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Oversees specimen accessioning evaluating acceptability of submitted materials assuring proper processing of specimens and recognizing and initiating requests for special handling and testing such as frozen section, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Independently evaluates the acceptability of submitted material and, acting for the Chief of Surgical Pathology, troubleshoots specimen issues and discrepancies returning unacceptable specimens with explanation to the contributor. Plays a central role in the education and training of residents in pathology and other, as well as medical students, and medical technology and histotechnology students regarding the practice of Surgical Pathology and Autopsy Pathology. Coordinates with the pathology resident rotation director to schedule the surgical pathology and autopsy rotation for pathology residents providing the maximum training opportunity for each trainee. Reviews regulatory criteria, ensures all procedures and protocols are maintained and up to date with regulatory criteria, prepares work area for inspection, and participates in inspection process as required by his/her supervisor. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing while performing gross examinations and teaching. Recurrent bending when performing frozen sections and autopsies, sitting, intense concentration in noisy and congested areas, and walking moderate distances between alternate work sites is required. It occasionally involves moving human bodies and lifting objects up to 40 pounds. Performance of duty requires above average manual dexterity in dissecting specimens and cutting frozen sections, good hand-eye coordination, and normal color vision Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Basic Education Requirement: A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree with the major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. All applicants must provide a transcript by the closing date. AND Specialized Experience (GS-12): Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes applying expertise in the gross evaluation of all human surgical specimens, both simple and complex; utilizing hospital based computer software systems; preparing frozen section slides; and performing gross evaluation of human autopsies. This experience must be demonstrated on your resume to receive credit. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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/. Additional information Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 80 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Note: Per "Executive Order 14251: Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs", this position is no longer eligible for bargaining unit participation. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.