Become a Histopathology Technologist at the Erie VA Medical Center
The Erie VA Medical Center is currently seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Histopathology Technologist to join our team. If you are passionate about clinical science and dedicated to supporting the health of our nation's heroes, this is your opportunity to work in a facility committed to excellence in patient care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Histopathology Technologist, you will be a vital member of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine service. Your daily duties will include:
- Specimen Processing: Handling and processing surgical tissue and body fluids for diagnostic preparation.
- Technical Procedures: Performing fixation, embedding, and microtomy to create high-quality slides for microscopic examination.
- Staining: Applying routine and specialized stains while maintaining quality control standards.
- Equipment Management: Ensuring lab instrumentation is calibrated and operational, documenting maintenance, and reporting malfunctions.
Comparison: GS-7 vs GS-9 Levels
| Feature | GS-7 (Developmental) | GS-9 (Full Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| Supervision | Close supervision | Independent practice |
| Complexity | Learning specialized tasks | Troubleshooting and specialized tests |
| Experience Req | Basic qualification | 1 year of specialized experience |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must possess a valid HTL certification from the ASCP Board of Certification and meet federal employment eligibility, including U.S. citizenship, background check clearance, and adherence to the influenza vaccination policy.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range from $50,460 to $80,243 annually, depending on your qualifications and grade level selection (GS-7 to GS-9).
Benefits
Employees at the VA enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Extensive health and insurance coverage.
- Retirement benefits via the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Favorable work-life balance with standard daytime hours.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your skills in paraffin embedding and specialized staining. Using the provided standard resume template is highly recommended to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Join us at the Erie VA Medical Center and advance your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Submit your application today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Histopathology Technologist Job Matters
Advance your career in medical diagnostics at the Erie VA Medical Center, where your expertise in histopathology directly impacts the quality of care for those who served our nation.
Histopathology Technologist Job Overview
The Erie VA Medical Center is seeking a skilled Histopathology Technologist to join our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine service. This role is pivotal in processing surgical tissue and fluid specimens, ensuring diagnostic accuracy for our Veterans. You will operate in a dynamic, professional environment that upholds the highest standards of the Joint Commission and the College of American Pathologists.
Requirements for Histopathology Technologist
- United States Citizenship
- Current Histotechnologist (HTL) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a health or allied science field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Must meet seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technologist
- Proven expertise in specialized laboratory techniques such as immunohistochemical and histochemical staining
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex laboratory instrumentation and equipment
- Strong organizational skills for managing simultaneous testing workflows
- Advanced knowledge of laboratory information systems and data integrity
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and pay scale progression
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Work-life balance with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule
💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Histopathology Technologist Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Download the required Clinical Resume Document from the provided agency link.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, ASCP certification, and educational transcripts.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in fixation, embedding, and microtomy.
- Be specific about your clinical laboratory experience; avoid vague descriptions of your duties.
- Double-check that all required documents, including your HTL certification, are uploaded in the correct sections.
- Use the provided standard resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I apply if I am not currently certified but am board eligible?
Yes, under specific conditions for entry-level roles, non-board-certified candidates designated as 'board eligible' may be considered for temporary appointments not to exceed two years.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to those who have served in the military. Located on a scenic 20-acre site in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Erie VA Medical Center offers a full range of medical and surgical services, supporting the well-being of Veterans through innovative care and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.