Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary

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.

Responsibilities

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Implements policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing. Accurately performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing and analyze and interprets laboratory tests. 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. 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. Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs instrumentation. Maintains complete and accurate department records (quality control, routine equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, patient testing, shift hand-off logs, daily, weekly, and monthly checks, and others as defined by each department). Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which 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. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.

Requirements

Equipment/Supplies/Facilities: Serves as primary operator on new and established test systems and assumes responsibility for maintenance and troubleshooting per procedure. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction. Prepares reagents, primary reference standards and controls as needed. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments for testing. Verifies proper operation of instruments using established quality control procedures and checks to ensure accurate test results are reported. Assists in quality control review and input of QC data into offline system for submission of peer group data and validation of new QC when assigned. Identifies the cause of instrument malfunctions and troubleshoots equipment repairs if possible. Performs semiannual and annual checks on various instruments including pipette calibrations, linearity, method comparisons, precision, and accuracy. Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems as assigned. Assists in monitoring laboratory stock and notifies management of possible inventory shortages. Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to facility, agency, and/or accreditation requirements.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below. 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 they meet either of the following: (1) 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 (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Certification. (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09 Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR (b) Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles. (c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance. (d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. (e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions. (f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11 Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (b) Education. Must have 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. (c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. (d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. (f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. (g) Ability to communicate, consult, and collaborate with colleagues and other members of the health care team.