Clinical Lab Scientist

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

About the role

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) operating at the FPL may rotate with other generalists across laboratory areas or may be limited to performing duties in one or a few of those areas. The CLS also works off-tour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.

Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS occupation, as well as advanced and complex procedures; recognizes deviations from expected results and analyzes/corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment; uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance; diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions; answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and factors that influence test results; interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge; interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory’s in-service/continuing education program.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member; provides excellent service to healthcare providers, patients, and others; gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• While not routinely assigned, may be called upon to perform phlebotomy duties.
• Maintains courteous, respectful, and cooperative relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public; displays a cooperative attitude and works effectively to implement the organization’s mission and goals; ensures productivity is maintained at the established level.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment; applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must complete all application requirements detailed in the “Required Documents” section of the announcement.

Qualifications

• Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English language proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Must meet one of the following:
  • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • Categorical or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
• Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if:
  • Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program, or
  • The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.

Grade Determinations (GS-11)

• Experience or Education:
  • 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or
  • 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.
• Assignment: The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Work may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program. This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing. These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action. This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
  • Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
  • Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
  • Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
  • Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
  • Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

Preferred Experience: 3 years experience working as a CLS with one year experience working in a hospital clinical laboratory.