Become a Histopathology Technician at Walter Reed

Are you looking to advance your career in anatomical pathology? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring Histopathology Technicians for the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the health and readiness of our military community while working in a high-stakes clinical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Histopathology Technician, you will be a critical member of the Department of Anatomical Pathology. Your daily duties will include:

Embedding tissue specimens in the appropriate medium for precise sectioning.
Assisting pathologists and residents with surgical gross descriptions and processing.
Performing complex staining techniques and preparing frozen sections.
Managing the receipt of laboratory requests and specimens.
Ensuring all laboratory instruments are calibrated and standardized for accurate testing.

Comparison: Standard Laboratory Roles vs. DHA Histopathology

Feature	Standard Lab Role	DHA Histopathology Role
Environment	Private Sector	Military Medical Facility
Mission	Patient Volume	Combat Support & Readiness
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Growth	Corporate	Public Service Career Path

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience (GS-06 equivalent) in tissue handling, staining, and lab equipment maintenance.
Education: A one-year graduate level education in Biology or a related field can be substituted for experience.
Compliance: Ability to undergo and maintain a noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk background clearance.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $57,736 to $75,059 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy the standard suite of federal benefits, including robust health insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous leave accrual. Highly qualified candidates may also be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Adhere strictly to the two-page limit.
Clarity: Use clear, professional language to describe your experience. Avoid internal abbreviations.
Detail: Clearly list the month and year of employment for every position on your resume.
Status Check: Use the USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application progress.

Working as a Histopathology Technician at Walter Reed is more than just a job; it is a chance to support those who serve. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to join a top-tier medical team, submit your application before the December 2, 2026, deadline.

Why This Histopathology Technician Job Matters

Join the elite team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and play a vital role in diagnostic excellence as a Histopathology Technician.

Histopathology Technician Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking two dedicated Histopathology Technicians to join the Department of Anatomical Pathology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is essential for supporting the healthcare delivery system of the Department of Defense, ensuring that service members and their families receive top-tier diagnostic support. You will work within a collaborative environment, handling tissue specimens and assisting pathology teams in critical laboratory operations.

Requirements for Histopathology Technician

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level, including embedding tissue, staining, and calibrating laboratory equipment.
Ability to pass a background check and complete a one-year probationary period.
Must be able to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Male applicants born after 1959 must comply with Selective Service registration requirements.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technician

One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field such as Biology.
A combination of specialized work experience and graduate education totaling 100% of the qualification requirements.
Strong technical skills in frozen section preparation and advanced staining techniques.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal government health insurance programs
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
✓Access to a comprehensive healthcare system supporting military members and their families

💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Histopathology Technician Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting your specialized experience in detail.
Complete the online questionnaire provided by the application portal.
Upload all required supporting documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
Review your application package for accuracy before submission.
Submit your application before the closing date of December 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month and year) and average hours worked per week for all previous roles.
Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR reviewers.
Double-check your application status on the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Submit your documents well in advance of the deadline to account for potential technical delays or virus scanning times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this position?

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

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The application instructions explicitly state that resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is located onsite at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Is a security clearance required?

While not a high-level security clearance, this position is designated as noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk, requiring a suitability fitness determination.

Can I telework?

No, this position requires onsite presence at the laboratory in Bethesda, MD.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated Combat Support Agency that enables the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force medical services to provide a medically ready force. Working at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, you will be part of a premier institution dedicated to medical excellence, research, and patient care for service members, retirees, and their families.