Advance Your Career as a Histopathology Technician with the VA
If you are an experienced laboratory professional with a passion for precision and a desire to serve those who have served our country, the Department of Veterans Affairs has an exceptional opportunity for you. The Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is currently hiring an Advanced Histopathology Technician to join their esteemed Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Histopathology Technician, you will perform high-complexity tasks that directly impact patient outcomes. Key duties include:
- Specimen Management: Maintaining the integrity of surgical tissues and body fluids from accessioning through final diagnosis.
- Grossing Assistance: Serving as a vital assistant to the Anatomic Pathologist during the grossing of biopsy specimens.
- Technical Precision: Preparing frozen sections, performing routine fixation/embedding, and executing complex staining procedures (H&E, Special Stains, IHC).
- Quality Oversight: Managing quality control activities, maintaining SDS inventories, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-07 level role, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of technical aptitude. You must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, and meet the following criteria:
- Experience/Education: A minimum of one year of specialized experience or a relevant degree/training combination.
- Security: Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
- Compliance: Willingness to participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Criteria | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized healthcare experience |
| Education | Relevant BA/BS or 2 years + 12-month program |
| Schedule | Full-time, Mon-Fri, 7:30am - 4:00pm |
| Grade Level | GS-07 |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position ranges from $61,254 to $79,631 per year, commensurate with qualifications and government pay schedules.
Benefits
Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Ample paid time off, including sick leave and federal holidays.
- Career advancement opportunities within the federal system.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights specific techniques (e.g., microtoming, immunohistochemistry) to prove you meet the 'Advanced' criteria.
- Use Official Forms: If you are a veteran or current federal employee, ensure you attach your DD-214 or the most recent SF-50 as required.
- Review Your Questionnaire: Your answers to the online questionnaire must be supported by your resume, or you may be disqualified from the process.
This role offers the perfect intersection of clinical expertise and public service. If you are ready to apply your histological skills in a high-impact environment, submit your application for the Robley Rex VAMC opening today.
Why This Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job Matters
Join the Robley Rex VA Medical Center and make a profound impact on Veterans' lives by providing expert, high-level histopathology support in a premier clinical laboratory environment.
Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job Overview
The Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a skilled Histopathology Technician (Advanced) to join its Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service. This non-supervisory role focuses on complex anatomical pathology procedures, providing technical oversight, and supporting Anatomic Pathologists in delivering world-class care to our nation's Veterans. You will play a vital role in diagnostic accuracy, working within an integrated healthcare delivery system affiliated with the University of Louisville.
Requirements for Histopathology Technician (Advanced)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Completion of a background and security investigation.
- Successful urinalysis for illegal drug screening prior to appointment.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- One year of specialized experience in a healthcare/clinical lab or equivalent education/experience combination.
Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technician (Advanced)
- Current certification as a Histopathology Technician (HT) or Histopathology Technologist (HTL).
- Advanced technical proficiency in embedding, microtoming, and grossing biopsies.
- Expertise in performing immunohistochemistry and complex special staining methodologies.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and validate new methodologies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunity for annual leave accrual credit based on prior service.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in an academic/research-affiliated facility.
💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume ensuring it includes contact info, specific hours worked per week, and descriptive duties for each role.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional certifications, and SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Describe your hands-on experience with grossing, embedding, and staining in detail. Do not leave the hiring team to guess your proficiency levels.
- Include dates: Ensure your resume clearly lists the month and year for every position to help verify your time-in-grade eligibility.
- Check for REAL ID: Ensure your identification documents are compliant with current federal requirements.
- Monitor email: Watch for notifications regarding your status, as referral notices will be sent electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of education is required for this position?
You must meet basic requirements through either a year of relevant healthcare experience, a bachelor's degree in a biological science, or a specific combination of education and training in histopathology.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an on-site clinical position at the Robley Rex VAMC and is not eligible for telework or virtual status.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once the vacancy closes, the HR team will review your application for qualification. If referred, you may be contacted for an interview. You can track your status through your USAJOBS account.
What is the trial period?
New federal employees are typically required to serve a 1-2 year trial period to evaluate performance and professional conduct.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Robley Rex VAMC is more than a hospital; it is a vital healthcare hub for Veterans across central and western Kentucky and southern Indiana. As a level 1b facility affiliated with the University of Louisville, the center serves as an academic medical hub where cutting-edge research meets compassionate patient care. By joining this team, you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for our nation’s heroes.