Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Providence, RI · 3 wk ago

$200/hrFull-time

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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 review.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the 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. 7402(d).
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Certification: Candidates 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 certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
Exception for Non-Certified Applicants:
- Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward certification if they meet eligibility routes for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.
- Non-certified applicants who meet eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).
- Non-certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
- Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
- Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
- May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision (applicable only to current VHA employees).

Grade Determinations

GS-07: No experience beyond the basic requirements.
GS-09: Must meet one of the following:
- 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-7), or
- Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
- Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
- Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
- Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
- Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.
GS-11: Must meet one of the following:
- 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), 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.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- 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 healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.

Responsibilities

Performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods, including routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting.
Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and identifies the need for additional tests.
Assesses situations, considers options, and formulates appropriate courses of action.
Monitors quality control systems and measures, collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and provides education for laboratory healthcare professionals and the public.

Physical Requirements

The work involves regular and recurring risks and discomforts associated with working in a clinic. This work requires physical exertion, including long periods of standing, some bending, and lifting supplies and equipment. Manual skills are required to perform delicate procedures.

Schedule

Full time, 40 hours per week. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with rotating weekends and holidays. Compressed/flexible schedules are not authorized.

Benefits

Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases.
Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Child Care Subsidy: Full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible costs (monthly maximum of $416.66) after 60 days of employment.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA.
Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care (many programs can be carried into retirement).

This position is eligible for coverage by a Bargaining Unit but is not currently represented. It is covered by a special rate.