Lead 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. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified U.S. citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education.

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification. Applicants must possess one of the following certifications: Generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) or American Medical Technologists (AMT); OR Generalist certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) issued by ASCP or AMT. Foreign Education.

Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credentialing agency and determined to be equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.Foreign education may be considered qualifying if: The education is determined to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program; OR The applicant provides documentation from ASCP-BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to sit for the certification examination.

Note: Possession of a qualifying ASCP or AMT certification satisfies the foreign education requirement. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE 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 is required for all GS-12 assignments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, applicants must demonstrate: Knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles and practices sufficient to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of laboratory operations. Skill in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing laboratory instrumentation.

Ability to develop new laboratory testing procedures and modify existing methods to resolve complex technical problems. Ability to coordinate and manage daily workflow and assignments within a laboratory section. Ability to provide or coordinate staff training and professional development activities. Ability to provide guidance and technical consultation to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare personnel regarding testing procedures, specimen requirements, and interpretation of results.

01Preferred Experience

Three years of chemistry experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This vacancy is above the full performance level.

02Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds, pull and push, reach above shoulder level, and use both hands and fingers. It also requires walking, standing for up to four hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and using both arms and legs. Visual requirements include the use of both eyes, depth perception, and the ability to distinguish colors and shades.

The position also requires hearing, with hearing aids permitted; clear communication; strong cognitive functioning; emotional stability; and the ability to read standard-size print without strain.

Total Rewards - Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Perform routine, specialized, and complex laboratory testing on a variety of patient specimens. Analyze, interpret, validate, and report laboratory test results accurately and in a timely manner. Evaluate specimen acceptability and ensure proper collection, handling, processing, and preparation procedures are followed. Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.

Identify testing problems, equipment malfunctions, and discrepancies, and take appropriate corrective action. Perform and monitor quality control and quality assurance activities to ensure accurate and reliable test results. Conduct additional or confirmatory testing as needed to clarify abnormal or unexpected findings. Recognize and promptly communicate critical laboratory results to healthcare providers.

• Provide technical guidance and consultation regarding testing procedures, specimen requirements, and test result interpretation.
• Assist with developing, evaluating, and implementing new laboratory methods, procedures, and instrumentation.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of testing, quality control, maintenance, and corrective actions.
• Review laboratory data to identify analytical errors, clerical errors, and unusual test results.

Correlate laboratory findings with patient information to ensure accuracy and validity of results. Maintain adequate inventory levels of laboratory supplies and reagents and notify management of shortages or outdated materials. Assist in training and mentoring new employees, students, and other laboratory personnel. Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support quality patient care.

Ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation, regulatory, and performance improvement standards. Follow established safety, infection control, biosafety, OSHA, HIPAA, and emergency management requirements. Maintain professional credentials and competency requirements. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment. Perform other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm 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). 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 #: 51214-A