Become a Histopathology Technician with the Defense Health Agency

Are you a detail-oriented laboratory professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Histopathology Technician at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This position is vital to the medical readiness and diagnostic capabilities of our military healthcare infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

As a Histopathology Technician, you will work under the Chief of the Anatomic Pathology Service. Key responsibilities include:

Embedding tissue specimens in proper media for accurate sectioning.
Processing and receiving specimens for laboratory testing.
Performing advanced histochemical staining techniques.
Preparing frozen sections for immediate diagnostic review.
Assisting pathology staff with surgical gross descriptions.
Maintaining and calibrating complex laboratory instrumentation.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate specific qualifications:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level, including tissue staining and specimen processing.
Education: One full year of graduate-level studies in a relevant field such as Biology.
Documentation: You must submit a resume (two-page limit) and relevant transcripts to be rated eligible.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$51,210 - $66,574
Job Category	Pathology Technician (0646)
Security Clearance	Secret
Location	Portsmouth, VA

Salary and Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary based on locality pay. Beyond base compensation, employees may qualify for student loan repayment, advanced leave, or recruitment incentives. The federal benefits package is designed to support long-term professional and personal growth.

Application Tips

Respect the page limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less.
Be specific: Clearly state the hours worked per week and the exact dates of your previous experience.
Use plain language: Avoid technical jargon or internal acronyms that a hiring manager might not recognize.

Serving as a Histopathology Technician at the Naval Medical Center is a career move that balances professional challenge with the honor of serving those who serve our country. Submit your application today to be part of this vital mission.

Why This Histopathology Technician Job Matters

Advance your career in medical laboratory science by joining the prestigious Defense Health Agency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

Histopathology Technician Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a skilled Histopathology Technician to support the Anatomic Pathology Service at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role is critical to maintaining the high standards of medical care for our service members and their families. As a technician, you will play a vital role in diagnostic processes, including tissue embedding, staining, and the calibration of laboratory instrumentation.

Requirements for Histopathology Technician

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration if born after Dec 31, 1959.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Willingness to undergo drug testing.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
Completion of one full year of graduate-level education in a related field such as Biology, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technician

Proficiency in tissue embedding and advanced staining techniques.
Experience with frozen section preparations.
Strong technical skills in laboratory instrument calibration and maintenance.
Experience assisting pathologists with surgical gross descriptions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Student loan repayment program eligibility.
✓Opportunities for advanced leave or in-hire authorizations.

💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Histopathology Technician Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and performance appraisals if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 11, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your relevant experience, including hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Avoid using unexplained acronyms; use plain language to describe your technical tasks.
Verify that your application package is complete, as missing documents will result in disqualification.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Sanitize sensitive personal information from supplemental documents if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this role?

You must have one year of graduate-level education in a field like Biology or a combination of specialized experience and education.

Is there a limit to how long my resume can be?

Yes, your resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this length will be excluded from consideration.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this position is not eligible for telework.

What is the security clearance requirement?

*A: Applicants must be eligible for a Secret security clearance.*

Can I use foreign education credentials?

*A: Yes, provided they are evaluated by a recognized private organization to ensure equivalence to U.S. standards.*

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health system that provides medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. By joining this team, you become a strategic partner in the health and readiness of the Joint Force.