Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Chemistry

About the role

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist works within the Pathology and Laboratory service line at the Phoenix VA. The CLS works independently carrying out day-to-day laboratory operations, and develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of standard, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviations from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles; and recognizes and communicates predefined critical results to appropriate staff
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens; understands specimen requirements; and accounts for physiologic processes that may affect specimen analysis
• Maintains laboratory equipment and documents maintenance according to laboratory policies and procedures
• Performs instrument calibrations and repairs; provides preventive maintenance; identifies instrument malfunctions; and documents and resolves deviations of instrument performance
• Performs and documents quality control and quality 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
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, FDA, NEO, JC, MBB, and OSHA
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions
• 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
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others)
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Performs other duties as assigned

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
• 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: 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 (Note: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. They are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or non-section specific assignments such as Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
  • May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria)
• Foreign Education: 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: (1) Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency and the degree is found 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. Possession of a certification identified above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation is needed.

Grade Determinations (GS-11)

• Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Education: 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 (KSAs) — In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate:

• 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:

• Current working knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts
• Hospital laboratory experience preferred

Physical Requirements (per VA Directive and Handbook 5019):

• Moderate Lifting — 15–44 pounds
• Light Carrying — under 15 pounds
• Use of fingers
• Walking — 2 hours
• Standing — 2 hours
• Near vision correctable at 13″ to 16″ to Jaeger 1 to 4
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Hearing (aid permitted)
• Mental/Emotional Stability required
• Working closely with others
• Working alone

Reference: VA Qualification Standards

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7