Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary 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. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Credential: Persons appointed or reassigned to CLS positions in the GS-0644 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid Generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (given by ASCP BOC or AMT) or a Medical Technologist (given by ASCP BOR or AMT). English Language Proficiency: CLSs appointed to direct patient‑care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grandfathering Provision: Certain employees may be covered under the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation. 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: (1) 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. Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑07: Experience beyond the basic requirements is not required. Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑09: Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS‑07 grade level or education, and must have a Master’s degree or two academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑11: Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS‑09 grade level or education, and must have three full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science. Full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11. Physical Requirements The work requires regular and recurring standing, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (up to 44 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), and the use of both hands for tasks. Ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens, to hear (aid permitted), and to work in an environment with constant noise. Working closely with others, high cognitive function is required to work in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy, and emotional stability is required to maintain self‑control in difficult and stressful situations. Responsibilities Independently carries out day‑to‑day operations in the laboratory. Evaluates the suitability of specimens for analysis and prepares specimens ensuring that the physiological state of specimen properties is maintained. Assigns priority to test requests and executes them expeditiously for use in critical care situations. Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Conducts routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting. Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and identifies the need for additional tests. Assumes targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects such as laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, or coordinator for laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey programs. May perform limited duties in areas such as laboratory information management and ancillary testing. Requires broad exercise of independent judgment, organizing, and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. Monitors quality control systems and measures, collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and provides education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner. Provides direction, work review, and job training to students and less experienced CLSs. Works effectively with laboratory and non‑laboratory staff to convey malfunctioning problems to outside service representatives and follow instruction for instrument repair. Works on weekend, holiday, or irregular shifts or in other sections to provide laboratory coverage for routine or emergency procedures as needed or directed by management. #J-18808-Ljbffr