Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

About the role

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs complex diagnostic testing across multiple specialties within the Pathology and Laboratory Service at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. The role ensures accurate testing processes, maintains instruments, troubleshoots issues, conducts quality control, validates results, supports patient care, and manages lab projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Performs a wide range of laboratory procedures, from routine to advanced complex testing; identifies and resolves testing issues using scientific principles.
• Executes all testing phases (pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical); verifies specimen suitability and proper processing.
• Prepares specimens, reagents, and equipment; ensures instrument functionality; performs complex testing (e.g., body fluid differentials, special stains, cardiac panels, microbiology, blood bank).
• Maintains, calibrates, troubleshoots, and documents laboratory instruments; conducts preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Implements quality control and quality assurance measures; maintains records, validates data, and institutes corrective action as necessary.
• Integrates laboratory findings with clinical data; performs and interprets additional/confirmatory testing; promptly reports critical values.
• Responds to inquiries on test results, methodologies, and interpretations; recommends follow-up testing as appropriate.
• Supports evaluation and implementation of new techniques and instrumentation; performs method comparisons and provides recommendations.
• Accurately manages lab results in the information system; identifies and corrects clerical or analytical errors.
• Ensures compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, OSHA, HIPAA, VHA, and local safety directives; maintains a safe, organized work environment.
• Monitors and manages laboratory supplies; communicates needs to leadership.
• Collaborates with other services to resolve issues; escalates complex matters to supervisors.
• Provides professional, effective communication and delivers outstanding customer service to clinicians, patients, and stakeholders.
• Trains and mentors new staff, students, and lower-graded personnel; supports educational programs and continuing education.
• Manages workload, prioritizes tasks, meets deadlines, and exercises independent judgment.
• Maintains professional credentials and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification options:
  • Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT.
• Exception for Non-Certified Applicants: Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet eligibility routes to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.
• Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL).
• Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained.
• Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years.

Grade Determinations:

• GS-07: No experience beyond basic requirements.
• GS-09: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07 or a master's degree in medical technology or a closely related science.
• GS-11: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09 or three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science.

Preferred Experience: At least one year of blood bank experience.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–3:30 pm, rotating holidays and weekends.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• After 60 days of employment, full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs (up to $416.66 monthly).
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance (many programs can be carried into retirement).