Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Basic Requirements

Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required.

Certification

Candidates must meet one of the following 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 one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT. Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).

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 and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment.

Foreign Education: Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign credential review and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Foreign graduates qualify if: a. Their transcripts are evaluated as equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or b. They submit documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to take the certification examination.

Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09 Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07; or A master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance. Ability to work effectively as a team member and complete assignments. Ability to read and interpret written instructions. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11 Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following: 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting independent work.

Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory 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 effectively with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients.

Preferred Experience

Experience working as a Generalist performing laboratory testing. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System - Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional CLS is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in clinical laboratory specialties including, but not limited to, Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry.

A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory test. Major Duties and Responsibilities Performs a broad range of laboratory tests and procedures, including advanced and complex analyses. Recognizes deviations from expected results and resolves issues using scientific principles. Evaluates and resolves problems related to specimen collection and processing, considering physiologic factors and testing requirements.

Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and equipment. Performs and documents preventive maintenance and identifies issues affecting test performance. Conducts quality control and quality assurance activities, including corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement methods. Adheres to all biosafety and biosecurity regulations and maintains a safe laboratory environment. Identifies testing discrepancies, resolves problems, and recommends effective solutions.

Responds to inquiries regarding test results, methodologies, and factors influencing accuracy. Interprets findings and recommends follow-up testing as needed. Assists in evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures, including method comparisons and reference interval establishment. Communicates effectively and courteously with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues, delivering high-quality customer service.

Provides guidance based on established laboratory principles and serves as a resource to clinical staff. Organizes work efficiently, sets priorities, and meets deadlines. Complies with all VHA and local directives related to safety, hazardous materials, life safety, and emergency management. Performs other duties as assigned, commensurate with grade level.

Work Schedule: Day Shift- 8:00 am to 4:30, Monday through Friday, rotating weekends and holidays, Evening Shift-2:00 pm to 12:00 pm, rotating weekends and holidays, Night Shift-Midnight- 10:00 am. Compressed: Available Functional Statement #: 623-60498-A, 623-60499-A, 623-60500-A EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more