Summary

This position manages the operations of Anatomic Pathology (Surgical Pathology and Autopsy) under the supervision of the Chief of Surgical Pathology - Section Chief of Tissue Processing and Transcription - and Supervisory Health Science Specialist at the VA Medical Center in Tampa - FL.

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirement: A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree with the major study in an academic field related to the medical field - health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. All applicants must provide a transcript by the closing date. AND Specialized Experience (GS-12): Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes applying expertise in the gross evaluation of all human surgical specimens - both simple and complex; utilizing hospital based computer software systems; preparing frozen section slides; and performing gross evaluation of human autopsies. This experience must be demonstrated on your resume to receive credit. For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience.

Duties

• This announcement has been extended to close on Wednesday - April 22 - 2026
• There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted your application package
• However - you may update your application during this time - if needed
• ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION - YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties include - but are not limited to - the following: Functions as a team with the anatomic pathologists by participating in the accessioning - examination - dissection - and processing of tissue samples - performing STAT intraoperative testing - functioning as an autopsy assistant - and when necessary performing autopsies and generating autopsy reports to be reviewed by the pathologist
• Works in conjunction with the Chiefs of Surgical Pathology - Section Chief of Tissue Processing and Transcription - Chief of Autopsy - and the Supervisor Health Sciences Specialist to help coordinate the operations of the Surgical Pathology and Autopsy sections - including the integration and education of pathology residents - medical students - and various medical personnel
• Independently plans and carries out assignments in order to accomplish the goals of the service in a timely manner as well as solving complex diagnostic problems and modifying or adapting new methods or techniques to expand and improve the service
• Works under the supervision of a pathologist to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis of diseases - supporting the pathology service by aiding the pathologists in examining specimens and managing laboratory operations
• Expertly correlates the pathophysiology of disease processes
• to recognize and identify normal tissue - abnormalities - and disease entities (both expected and unexpected)
• to identify the type and purpose of surgery performed - to orient the tissues and organs to expected anatomic position
• and to select samples for microscopic evaluation which enable the pathologist to provide complete diagnostic and staging information and an accurate final diagnosis upon which therapeutic decisions are based
• Executes the best methods of sampling tissue for microscopic examination - utilizing and adapting numerous sampling techniques including routine and special processing techniques for documenting disease - and evaluates the adequacy of the surgical procedure for the removal of disease
• Performs STAT intraoperative frozen sections - making critical judgements such as weighing clinician and pathologist's requests with tissue sectioning options while considering the limitations of frozen section testing all while keeping specimen integrity and ultimate patient outcome at the forefront of each decision and producing high quality results in compliance with regulatory guidelines
• Oversees specimen accessioning evaluating acceptability of submitted materials assuring proper processing of specimens and recognizing and initiating requests for special handling and testing such as frozen section - immunofluorescence - electron microscopy - and immunohistochemistry
• Independently evaluates the acceptability of submitted material and - acting for the Chief of Surgical Pathology - troubleshoots specimen issues and discrepancies returning unacceptable specimens with explanation to the contributor
• Plays a central role in the education and training of residents in pathology and other - as well as medical students - and medical technology and histotechnology students regarding the practice of Surgical Pathology and Autopsy Pathology
• Coordinates with the pathology resident rotation director to schedule the surgical pathology and autopsy rotation for pathology residents providing the maximum training opportunity for each trainee
• Reviews regulatory criteria - ensures all procedures and protocols are maintained and up to date with regulatory criteria - prepares work area for inspection - and participates in inspection process as required by his/her supervisor
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
• 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved