Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist

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.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Foreign education must be deemed equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program or the applicant must submit a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating eligibility to take the certification examination.
• Certification: Must meet one of the certification options below:
  • 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
• Experience: Candidates must meet one of the criteria below:
  • Experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
  • Education must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. in medical technology or a directly related science

Basic Requirements

• US Citizenship
• English Language Proficiency
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories; laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures; and 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.

Duties

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.
• Implements policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
• Accurately performs pre-analytical - analytical and post-analytical phases of testing and analyze and interpret laboratory tests.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Uses - calibrates - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• 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.
• Maintains - troubleshoots - and repairs instrumentation.
• Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Use of both eyes - depth perception - ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors - hearing (aids permitted) - clear - high cognitive function and emotional stability.

Total Rewards

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy: 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 for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Telework: Not Available.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Pay

Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized.