Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Allied Health Professional

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas, under Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in the Evening Laboratory.

Duties

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. In addition, performs 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 taking into account 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 biosecurity in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.

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 findings and 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

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday: 3:30pm to 12:00am, alternating holidays and weekends, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

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)

Functional Statement #

580-02050-F, 580-02051-F, 580-02052-F