Lead Clinical Lab Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in clinical laboratory specialties including, but not limited to, Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry. A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory test. The Lead CLS communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values. The LCLS identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem solving methods. Prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs. Is responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty, including assignment of work responsibilities, workload management, and completion of assignments for staff at or above the full performance level as well as preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance. The LCLS may act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values.
• Processes, reads, and reports aerobic and anaerobic cultures from the following sites: bloods, body fluids, urines, respiratory, stools, and wounds.
• Operates, maintains, and performs troubleshooting of microbiological instrumentation.
• Identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem solving methods.
• Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services.
• Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results.
• Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements.
• Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results.
• Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems.
• Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed.
• Evaluates the competency of laboratory staff including identification of continuing education and training needs.
• Records and evaluates workload testing systems.
• May act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm, Rotating weekends/holidays (in the Microbiology department)

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

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.

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.