Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Performs the full range of laboratory testing duties listed at the full performance level including duty on weekends and holidays
• 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
• Aids the Supervisor in modifying existing procedures as new tests are brought on board and as testing requirements change
• Ensures that Document Control is up to date
• Participates in quality assurance efforts by indicating quality improvement indicators
• Develops a system to monitor indicators and recommends/implements corrective actions when indicated
• Gathers information for monthly Quality Assurance monitors
• Uses statistical programs to measure acceptability
• Reviews regulatory requirements for CAP - JCAHO - FDA - OSHA and AABB to ensure compliance
• Performs all needed maintenance and testing to ensure compliance to include - but not limited to pipette and balance maintenance - Analytical Measurement ranges - Reference Range studies - linearity studies and monthly reviews of charts
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Performs duties as the Contract Officer Representative for the department and accepts invoices in the IPPS system
• In the absence of the Supervisor - assigns - directs and reviews the work of other Clinical laboratory scientists in the department
• Communicates effectively - professionally and courteously verbally and in writing
• Gives direction and guidance using principles of laboratory testing
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation
• Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation
• Is responsible for validation/ method verification of new instrumentation as it is brought on board
• Identifies training needs and provides appropriate training and competency as delegated by the Director of PALMS
• Performs retraining as needed
• Maintains documentation of supplies and inventory and ensures that all new lots of reagents are labeled properly and tested for acceptability
• Acts as a liaison to other departments and represents the laboratory in meetings
• Works with supervisor to arrive at solutions that minimizes organizational disruption on any job-related issues
• Readily accepts additional authority and responsibility during brief periods where immediate supervisor is away from the work site that assists the medical center to maintain consistent operations

Requirements

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements
• Education
• English Language Proficiency
• Certification
• Grandfathering Provision
• Experience
• Quality of Experience
• Grade Determinations
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities

Skills

• Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice
• Skill to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair laboratory instrumentation
• Ability to develop procedures for new tests - and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations
• Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section
• Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training
• Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians - nurses - and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing - specimen requirements and results

Benefits

• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)
• Educational Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Pay

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)

Schedule

• 7:00 am to 3:30 pm with Rotating Weekends and Holidays

Benefits

• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus)
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive