Histopathology Technologist III

## Description

IBEX IT Business Experts is a purpose-driven organization delivering innovative IT, professional services, and SaaS-based solutions for government and commercial clients. With a culture rooted in agility, accountability, and inclusion, IBEX is a trusted partner for clients across federal agencies, prime contractors, and Fortune-ranked enterprises.

At IBEX, our core values are exemplified through our people, products/services, processes, and daily activities! If you have the skills and experience and align with these core values, this position is for you!

• *Passion for Success*
• *Committed to collaboration and innovative thinking*
• *Respectful of all perspectives and dedicated to teamwork*
• *Do the right thing, even when no one is watching*
• *Improving businesses & communities through collaborative solutions*

**Human Resources Environmental, Social, and Governance Statement**

At IBEX, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset and the foundation of our success. The Human Resources department is at the forefront of embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the heart of our workplace culture, talent management, and operational practices. Our commitment to ESG within HR reflects our dedication to creating a sustainable, equitable, and ethical working environment for all our employees.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Position:** Histopathology Technologist III

**Reports To:** Director of PMO

**Location:** Joint Pathology Center (JPC), 606 Stephen Sitter Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, and/or 8901 Rockville Pike, Building 17B, Room 4013, Bethesda, MD 20889

**Salary/Hourly Rate:** 34.50 – 44.00/hr

**H&W Rate:** N/A

**Type:** NonSCA, Full-Time

**Job Summary:** IBEX IT Business Experts is seeking a highly skilled **Histopathology Technologist III** to support the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Joint Pathology Center (JPC). The Histopathology Technologist III will perform advanced histological procedures and provide technical expertise in the preparation, preservation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and evaluation of tissue specimens for diagnostic and research purposes.

The selected candidate will support pathology operations by performing complex histological techniques, frozen section preparation, bone decalcification, special staining procedures, quality control activities, and maintenance of laboratory equipment. This position requires extensive knowledge of tissue morphology, histological preparation methods, and laboratory quality standards within a high-volume, highly specialized pathology environment.

**Key Responsibilities:**

**Histology and Tissue Processing**

• Perform all phases of histological specimen processing, including accession verification, fixation, dehydration, embedding, microtomy, staining, and slide preparation.
• Develop and implement new procedures related to microtechniques and assist with establishing improved tissue fixation and preparation methodologies.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in tissue orientation, paraffin embedding, and microtomy techniques for all tissue types, including bone specimens.
• Perform decalcification of dense cortical bone, cancellous bone, and bone marrow biopsy specimens using appropriate acids and acid/fixative combinations.
• Prepare tissue sections for routine histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and genetic studies.

**Frozen Section and Cryostat Operations**

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, adjust, and perform minor repairs on cryostats used for frozen section preparation.
• Prepare frozen sections and touch preparations in support of rapid diagnostic procedures.
• Maintain technical proficiency in cryotomy techniques and support pathologists and pathology residents as needed.

**Special Stains and Advanced Histology**

• Perform a wide range of routine and complex special stains on tissue specimens, including skin, bone, nerve, brain, lymph node, and other tissue types.
• Conduct staining procedures demonstrating microorganisms, carbohydrates, amyloid, pigments, minerals, cytoplasmic granules, and enzyme histochemistry.
• Ensure staining quality and consistency through established quality control procedures.

**Laboratory Operations and Quality Assurance**

• Operate and maintain specialized histology laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Maintain quality control records, maintenance logs, workload reports, and other required laboratory documentation.
• Monitor laboratory processes and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• File and maintain tissue blocks, slides, and laboratory records according to established procedures.
• Repair damaged or broken slides when necessary.

**Training and Technical Support**

• Provide technical guidance and instruction to laboratory personnel and trainees as assigned.
• Assist with training new personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
• Serve as a technical resource regarding histological preparation methods and best practices.

**Compliance and Safety**

• Adhere to all applicable DHA, Joint Pathology Center, CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Follow all government, contract, and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive patient information in accordance with applicable regulations.

• **Qualifications:**
• **Required Qualifications**

• U.S. Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required DHA credentials and access.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of extensive experience in histopathology laboratory operations, including:
• Tissue preservation and fixation
• Tissue processing
• Paraffin embedding
• Microtomy
• Routine and complex special stains
• Demonstrated knowledge of bone decalcification procedures and associated acids and acid/fixative combinations.
• Knowledge of tissue morphology sufficient to identify gross lesions and ensure proper embedding, sectioning, and staining techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control procedures.
• Knowledge acquired through formal education, laboratory training, and/or professional experience.
• Basic computer proficiency, including data entry and electronic recordkeeping.

**Preferred Qualifications**

• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification.
• Experience supporting frozen section procedures in a hospital or pathology laboratory environment.
• Experience within CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified, academic, military, or reference laboratory settings.
• Experience training or mentoring laboratory personnel.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems and digital pathology workflows.

**Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abiliti**