Lead Histopathology Technician: A Rewarding Career at the VA Tennessee Valley

Are you a histology professional seeking a leadership role where your work directly impacts the lives of Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Lead Histopathology Technician at the Nashville, Tennessee campus. This position offers a unique blend of technical diagnostic work and team leadership within one of the nation's most respected integrated healthcare systems.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Histopathology Technician, you are the backbone of the laboratory workflow. Your responsibilities include:

Operational Oversight: Managing daily lab schedules, assigning tasks, and ensuring all resources are optimized.
Technical Leadership: Providing expert guidance on complex staining, immunohistochemistry, and processing of surgical and autopsy tissues.
Training and Development: Serving as a mentor and trainer for new staff, resident physicians, and students.
Quality Assurance: Performing regular spot checks to ensure all work adheres to strict regulatory and accrediting standards.
Clinical Collaboration: Assisting pathologists with gross anatomy tasks and preparing frozen sections for immediate diagnostic support.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-8 position, you must meet the following federal requirements:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Background Check: Must be able to pass a security investigation and pre-employment physical.
Experience: One year of creditable experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent, demonstrating technical independence and leadership ability.

Essential Competencies

Competency	Description
Technical Judgment	Ability to solve complex procedural problems independently.
Staff Management	Ability to organize workload and mentor lab personnel.
Regulatory Knowledge	Deep understanding of lab safety and accreditation standards.
Communication	Effectively conveying technical guidance to team members.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this role ranges from $75,636 to $98,323 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive healthcare and insurance.
Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Federal pension and thrift savings plans.
Opportunities for professional growth within the federal system.

Application Tips

Focus on Detail: When writing your resume, explicitly highlight your experience with technical troubleshooting and staff leadership. Don't assume the hiring team knows your previous responsibilities.
Documentation is Key: Ensure you upload all requested documents—including transcripts and veteran preference paperwork (DD-214/SF-15)—the first time to avoid processing delays.
Use the Questionnaire: The online questionnaire is a critical part of your evaluation; take your time to ensure your answers accurately reflect your technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a virtual position? A: No, this is an on-site position located at the Nashville VA Medical Center.

Q: What is the trial period? A: Federal employees must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to demonstrate fitness for the position.

Q: How do I check my status? A: You can track your application directly through the USAJOBS portal under the 'My Applications' section.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to a mission that matters, the Lead Histopathology Technician role in Nashville is an ideal match. By combining your technical proficiency with a commitment to our nation's Veterans, you will help maintain the highest standards of diagnostic care.

Why This Histopathology Technician (Lead) Job Matters

Lead the future of veteran diagnostics: Bring your histology expertise to the Nashville VA and make a tangible impact on patient care.

Histopathology Technician (Lead) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Lead Histopathology Technician to join our Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service in Nashville, Tennessee. This leadership role oversees daily lab operations, ensures rigorous adherence to protocols, and provides essential technical guidance within a dynamic medical center environment. You will play a pivotal role in delivering life-changing care to our nation's heroes by maintaining excellence in histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical processing.

Requirements for Histopathology Technician (Lead)

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
Must pass a urinalysis drug screen.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Ability to work full-time (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
Commitment to the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technician (Lead)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent.
Demonstrated ability to perform difficult, specialized histological procedures independently.
Proven experience in technical oversight and staff training.
Strong knowledge of regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements.
Experience managing lab staffing, prioritizing workloads, and coordinating complex schedules.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual pay potential.
✓Generous annual leave accrual program based on service time.
✓Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and TSP options.
✓Stable, mission-driven environment within a top-tier healthcare system.
✓Work-life balance with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule.

💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technician (Lead) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Histopathology Technician (Lead) Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Prepare your long-form resume and supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Navigate to the application portal to complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary documentation, ensuring all eligibility claims are supported.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Describe your experience with technical oversight and lab protocols in detail to avoid assumptions by HR.
Include volunteer work: All relevant experience, paid or unpaid, contributes to your total qualification.
Review eligibility: Ensure your veteran preference or federal status is clearly documented with the correct forms (e.g., DD-214, SF-15).
Check your status: Monitor your application status regularly via the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What is the expected work schedule?

This is a full-time, non-virtual position requiring on-site presence Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Are there state taxes in Tennessee for this position?

Tennessee does not have state income tax, which is a financial benefit for employees living in the region.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) provides critical medical, surgical, and diagnostic care to over 146,000 Veterans across middle Tennessee and surrounding states. As a member of the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, you will work in a high-tech environment dedicated to research, innovation, and compassionate patient care. The Nashville area provides an exceptional quality of life, featuring a vibrant music scene, professional sports, and the unique financial benefit of no state income tax.