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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

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.

Exception for Non-Certified: Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.

Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. 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).

04Grade Determinations

GS-07 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-09 Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, OR Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. GS-11 Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, OR Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. 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.

05Preferred Experience

Completion a NACCLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist program Current ASCP or AMT certification, or eligible for certification Experience with Laboratory Information Systems. Experience utilizing various laboratory instrumentation for patient 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.

06Physical Requirements

Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); Light Carrying (under 15 lbs.); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (2 to 8 hours); Standing (2 to 8 hours); Repeated bending (2 to 8 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4: Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted).

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic processes.

In addition, performs phlebotomy procedures as well as advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. - Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements. - 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. - Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. - Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and bio-security in the workplace. - Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. - Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. - Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results.

Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. - Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.

Interprets finding sand makes recommendations. - Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. - Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).

Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. - Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal technical supervision. - Participates in proficiency testing programs. - Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53419-F, 53420-F, 53421-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized