Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About the role

This Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is initially located in St. James, MO, with a planned transfer to the Rolla Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rolla, Missouri. Training will occur at the Truman VA Hospital campus in Columbia, MO until the new facility is operational.

Responsibilities

• Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in accordance with current laboratory regulatory, accreditation, and VA requirements.
• Performs testing in assigned laboratory specialties—including chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology—using manual and automated methods.
• Performs and oversees pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical processes, including specimen collection support, specimen processing, test performance, result verification, documentation, and reporting.
• Coordinates daily laboratory operations at the Rolla CBOC and ensures continuity of services in collaboration with the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory.
• Provides day‑to‑day lead direction to two Clinical Laboratory Scientists and three phlebotomists.
• Identifies, distributes, balances, and prioritizes work; monitors completion of assignments; coaches staff; and facilitates resolution of workflow and technical problems.
• Monitors quality‑control systems, quality‑assurance measures, instrument performance, maintenance records, proficiency‑testing results, turnaround time data, workload data, specimen‑quality indicators, and other assigned laboratory performance measures.
• Collects, reviews, trends, documents, and reports quality‑control and laboratory performance‑monitoring data to the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory in accordance with established reporting schedules, laboratory policies, and regulatory or accreditation requirements.
• Identifies quality or performance variances, initiates or assists with corrective actions within delegated authority, documents actions taken, and promptly communicates significant deficiencies, unresolved issues, equipment failures, testing interruptions, and patient‑safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor or technical representative at the main facility.
• Conducts quality control, calibration verification, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of laboratory instrumentation as assigned.
• Coordinates service, technical support, and escalation with the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory.
• Performs work requiring broad independent technical judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision, assessing situations, considering available options, and taking appropriate action consistent with laboratory policy and