Advance Your Career as a Histopathology Technologist with the VA North Texas Health Care System

Are you a dedicated Histopathology Technologist seeking a career that combines technical excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is currently hiring, offering an incredible opportunity to provide diagnostic support for those who have served our country. This role is essential to our mission, ensuring that clinicians receive the accurate data required to plan life-saving treatments for our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Histopathology Technologist, you will bridge the gap between specimen collection and pathologist interpretation. Key responsibilities include:

Processing and Analysis: Managing the full range of anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples using both manual and state-of-the-art automated equipment.
Quality Control: Performing and documenting rigorous quality assurance and control measures to ensure diagnostic integrity.
Technical Expertise: Troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, resolving suboptimal sample issues, and applying scientific principles to improve lab methodologies.
Mentorship: Assisting in the training and guidance of new laboratory staff and trainees.

Feature	GS-7 (Developmental)	GS-9 (Full Performance)
Supervision	Close Supervision	Independent Judgement
Scope	Routine procedures	Complex/Specialized testing
Resource Role	Learner	Technical Resource

Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must demonstrate:

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Certification by the ASCP Board of Certification as a Histotechnologist (HTL).
A degree in an appropriate health science field or a combination of specialized education and laboratory experience.
Ability to clear a federal background investigation and drug screening.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $54,857 to $87,235 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level. Additionally, federal employment includes eligibility for retirement benefits, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching, and comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Benefits

The VA offers a total compensation package that goes beyond a standard paycheck, including:

Retirement Security: A stable pension plan paired with a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Career Growth: Access to internal training and professional development programs.

Application Tips

Focus on Detail: Clearly document your experience with fixation, embedding, and microtomy.
Be Thorough: Include all relevant certifications and transcripts; missing documentation is the primary reason for application disqualification.
Follow Deadlines: While this is an open-continuous announcement, apply by the nearest cut-off date to ensure your application is processed promptly.

Serving the Veterans of North Texas is a noble pursuit that requires precise, expert-level laboratory skills. If you are ready to apply your knowledge in a setting that prizes excellence and service, we encourage you to submit your application to the VA North Texas Health Care System today.

Why This Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Matters

Transform your histology expertise into a mission-driven career supporting those who served our nation at the VA North Texas Health Care System.

Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Overview

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Histopathology Technologist to join our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine service. In this role, you will perform critical tissue processing and diagnostic preparations that directly influence life-saving treatment plans for Veterans. Serving as a vital member of our clinical team, you will utilize sophisticated automated and manual techniques to ensure pathologists receive high-quality samples for accurate diagnosis.

Requirements for Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in spoken and written English
ASCP Histotechnologist (HTL) certification
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree in a relevant health science field, or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience
Ability to pass a background security investigation
Successful completion of a drug screening urinalysis
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

Completion of an accredited Histopathology training program
Five or more years of professional experience in histopathology
Advanced familiarity with anatomic pathology reference laboratory workflows
Strong aptitude for laboratory information technology systems

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with step increases
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Flexible work environments and opportunities for career development

💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Histopathology Technologist -Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your histology experience.
Gather supporting documents: transcripts, certifications, and applicable SF-50 forms.
Complete the online questionnaire linked in the official announcement.
Submit your application package before the closing date or interim cut-off points.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal notifications.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and quantifiable in your resume—detail your experience with specific laboratory instruments.
If you are a student, ensure you explicitly state your major and graduation date.
Ensure all transcripts clearly display your institution's name and accreditation status.
Submit your application early; although it is an open continuous announcement, cut-off dates apply for initial reviews.
Clearly label all required documentation to prevent processing delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full performance level of this position?

The full performance level for this role is GS-9, though applicants may be selected at the GS-7 level depending on experience.

Can I apply if I am not currently certified?

Yes, under specific conditions for entry-level positions, a temporary appointment may be available for candidates designated as 'board eligible' by the ASCP, provided they pursue certification.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite laboratory position required to handle physical specimens.

What if my certification is pending?

*A: In certain entry-level scenarios, you may be considered 'board eligible' and offered a temporary appointment while working toward full certification.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: Please check the specific vacancy details; however, currently, standard recruitment/relocation incentives may not be authorized for all applicants.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to our heroes. As the second-busiest VA system in the nation, VANTHCS comprises the Dallas VA Medical Center, clinics in Fort Worth and Bonham, and community-based programs. Our partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center makes us a hub for innovation and research. Joining our team means joining an integrated system of over 4,000 employees dedicated to compassionate, high-quality care.