Clinical Laboratory Scientist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Basic Requirements United States 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. OR Foreign Education To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. OR 2. The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Certification. (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.

• a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
• b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
• c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Exception. 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 identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency. (Note applicants who do not meet the certification requirement may be given a temporary appointment not to exceed 2 years to obtain certification). Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. Grade Determinations Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
• b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
• c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
• d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
• e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
• f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

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

• a)Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
• b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
• c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
• d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
• e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
• g) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

Preferred Experience Experience reading microbiology culture plates, setting up antibiotic susceptibility testing, gram stains, and molecular testing (PCR). At least one year of micro experience preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS7 to GS11. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair