Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

This position is located in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. At the Full Performance Level, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist independently performs daily clinical laboratory operations across multiple specialty areas. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently performs complex routine and specialized testing across multiple laboratory disciplines (chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, immunohematology) using both automated and manual methods.
• Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates laboratory procedures and results in alignment with current regulatory requirements.
• Conducts quality control, proficiency checks, calibrations, and routine instrument maintenance; identifies irregularities, documents findings, and resolves or escalates issues as appropriate.
• Applies advanced technical judgment to assess the validity of test results, correlate abnormal data with potential pathological conditions, and determine when additional testing is required.
• Performs troubleshooting and advanced maintenance on laboratory instruments and analyzers, documenting corrective actions and coordinating service when needed.
• Completes testing on a wide variety of biological specimens and environmental samples, ensuring accuracy, precision, and compliance with laboratory protocols.
• Serves in specialized roles such as laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator for new test systems, quality control specialist, supply coordinator, or competency/proficiency program lead.
• Participates in limited lab informatics activities, including data flow support, LIS processes, and ancillary testing oversight.
• Organizes workload, set priorities, and makes technical decisions with broad independent judgment, and with minimal supervision.
• Assesses complex situations, evaluates options, and determines appropriate courses of action to maintain workflow and result accuracy.
• Monitors quality systems, identifies trends or deviations, and initiates or recommends performance improvement measures.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers in the diagnostic process by delivering accurate, timely laboratory data and communicating critical or clinically significant results.
• Provides education and guidance to laboratory personnel, trainees, healthcare staff, and the public in a professional and effective manner.
• Performs accessioning, specimen collection, and ensures proper handling and processing of samples.
• Ensures reflex testing and follow-up procedures are completed in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintains complete documentation and records as required for regulatory compliance, patient care, and lab accreditation standards.
• Participates in continuous improvement activities by documenting errors and supportive corrective actions.
• Provides dependable bench coverage until relieved and supports laboratory operations across shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Performs Contracting Officer's Representative and fund control point duties as assigned.
• Executes other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and patient care.

Work Schedule: 3:30p.m.-12Midnight, Monday through Friday. (Work schedule is subject to change based on agency needs.)

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 #: 59135F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized