Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job TitleMicrobiology Lab TechnicianDutiesThis position works with the Microbiology lab. Technical duties include:Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Implements policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.Accurately performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing and analyze and interprets laboratory tests.Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements.Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.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.Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs instrumentation.Maintains complete and accurate department records (quality control, routine equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, patient testing, shift hand-off logs, daily, weekly, and monthly checks, and others as defined by each department).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.Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.Shall conform to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials and emergency management directives.Provides advisory services to technicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals.Equipment/Supplies/Facilities:Serves as primary operator on new and established test systems and assumes responsibility for maintenance and troubleshooting per procedure. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction.Prepares reagents, primary reference standards and controls as needed.Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments for testing.Verifies proper operation of instruments using established quality control procedures and checks to ensure accurate test results are reported.Assists in quality control review and input of QC data into offline system for submission of peer group data and validation of new QC when assigned.Identifies the cause of instrument malfunctions and troubleshoots equipment repairs if possible.Performs semiannual and annual checks on various instruments including pipette calibrations, linearity, method comparisons, precision, and accuracy.Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems as assigned.Assists in monitoring laboratory stock and notifies management of possible inventory shortages.Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to facility, agency, and/or accreditation requirements.Work Schedule4-10 hours shifts, 6:00am-4:30pm, rotating weekends and holidays.Compressed/FlexibleAvailablePayCompetitive salary and regular salary increases.Paid Time Off37-50 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 LeaveAfter 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 SubsidyAfter 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.RetirementTraditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.InsuranceFederal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).TeleworkNot AvailableVirtualThis is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #60656A, 60657A, 60658APermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)Not Authorized