Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

02Education

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

03Certification

Candidates 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 certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT 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).

04Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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-12.

05Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations

DUTIES: Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. The incumbent will assist to oversee the implementation and validation of new tests. Maintains, monitors and prepares reagents for utilization in Evening Core Lab Section. Maintains and monitors supplies and stock levels. Requests replacement supplies as needed to ensure Evening Core Lab Section. operations.

Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation. Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, JC, AABB, FDA, OSHA and Federal Regulations. Coordinates Quality Control activities with the Supervisor. Coordinates proficiency program for the appropriate laboratory specialty.

• Maintains and monitors recordkeeping systems, establishes effective quality control procedures and identifies/implements changes needed in the quality assurance program.
• Evaluates the validity of data by integrating and correlating test data with other laboratory and patient data.
• Maintains and monitors conformity to protocols using knowledge of medical technology principles and theories.

Reviews all SOPs for Quality Assurance standards assuring: There are written procedures for validation to insure the procedures accomplish their intended purpose. That procedures have been developed for training and certifying individuals to perform these procedures. Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of performance. Assures corrective action is initiated when test performance deviates from established performance specifications.

Additional duties/tasks may include any of the following: Attends vendor training for complex analytical instrument(s) and is responsible for training employees in its operation. Performs complex maintenance procedures and is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting problems. Responsible for updating procedure manuals for specific laboratory function.

Oversee clinical training experiences or training programs of personnel to fulfill educational and professional requirements (where training programs exist). Recommends guidelines and/or policies for non-routine or complex assignments. Assists Evening Shift Supervisor with competency program. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 3:30pm - 12:00am. Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 580-02080F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized