Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

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    About the role

    This position is for a Clinical Laboratory Specialist – Microbiology and is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

    Responsibilities

    • Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis – requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable
    • Prepares specimens for analysis and maintains specimen stability requirements
    • Participates in specimen procurement
    • Prepares reagents and primary reference materials – assembles equipment – verifies correct instrument operation, standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests
    • Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine, non‑routine and specialized test procedures using manual techniques and/or automated instruments in accordance with established protocols and regulations
    • Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction – locates problem – and implements corrections
    • Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures
    • Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly
    • Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states – determines the validity of test results – and the need for additional tests
    • Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintains proper records for all quality control reports
    • Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks
    • Identifies the cause of common problems with symptoms and makes necessary adjustments or repairs
    • Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results
    • Undertakes specific laboratory responsibilities or specialized projects as delegated (e.g., laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, coordinator for laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program, result reviewer)
    • Assists in training new personnel, lower‑graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs (including classroom lectures when requested and bench instruction) in various areas of the laboratory
    • Prepares continuing education for the service staff when requested
    • Supplements prescribed course content and instructional materials as necessary
    • Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory; notifies supervisor when supply levels reach 7 days or less
    • Maintains safety and cleanliness of laboratory
    • Follows all appropriate HIPAA guidelines
    • Works with management to assure laboratory compliance with regulatory agency requirements and guidelines
    • Maintains appropriate professional credentials and all required continuing education

    Requirements

    • United States Citizenship – non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy
    • English Language Proficiency – candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English (38 U.S.C. §7403(f))
    • Education – a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
    • Certification – 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 or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT (acceptable for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or certain non‑section specific assignments)
    • Non‑certified applicants may be hired under specific routes (see Appendix A) to become eligible for MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT Certification Agency, may receive a temporary appointment CLS under 38 U.S.C. §7405(c)(2), may only provide care under supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL, may only be appointed at entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained, and temporary appointments may not exceed 2 years.
    • May qualify based on Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees meeting the occupation qualification standard.

    Qualifications

    • Grade GS‑07 (entry level): No experience beyond basic requirements; receives guidance from experienced staff and requires daily direct supervision.
    • Grade GS‑09: Must have either 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑07 OR a master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science; must demonstrate KSAs including knowledge of policies/procedures, QC/QA, equipment maintenance, teamwork, reading instructions, and performing pre‑analytical, analytical, post‑analytical phases.
    • Grade GS‑11: Must have either 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑09 OR 3 full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education or a Ph.D./equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science (transcripts required); must demonstrate KSAs including knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, QC/QA and performance improvement, informatics/laboratory data flow, ability to maintain/troubleshoot/repair instrumentation, independent technical judgment to analyze/interpret results, ability to read/apply complex written instructions, ability to communicate/consult/interact with health‑care team, external relations, customer service, patient education.

    Skills

    • 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
    • Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting sound independent work
    • 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

    • Substantial/full‑time hands‑on experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory environment, including demonstrated proficiency in serology, microbiology, mycology, parasitology, and virology
    • Experience independently performing complex bench testing, interpreting organism identification results, and managing day‑to‑day workflow in a diagnostic microbiology setting (strongly preferred)
    • Comfort working with a wide range of microbiological methodologies, maintaining QC/QA standards, and troubleshooting specialized microbiological instrumentation
    • Experience supporting infection control initiatives, evaluating specimen integrity, and ensuring accurate result reporting per laboratory policies (highly encouraged)
    • Experience in specimen procurement, QC, analyzer maintenance, troubleshooting, capable of working independently, and skilled in multitasking

    Benefits

    • Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – eligible for student loan payment reimbursement; award amount up to $200,000; eligibility period one to five years; must submit EDRP application within four months of appointment; former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
    • Paid Time Off – 37‑50 days of annual paid time off per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays).

    Pay

    Competitive salary with regular salary increases; a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may