Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

Job Title

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

Job Description

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional responsible for performing complex diagnostic testing on human specimens to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Testing may be conducted across multiple specialties, including Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry. The CLS performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing in accordance with established laboratory standards.

This position supports the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) and provides laboratory services for all Tulsa and Muskogee locations, including the Muskogee VA Medical Center and Tulsa Outpatient Clinic. Work is performed across various laboratory disciplines such as bacteriology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, and urinalysis. Responsibilities include ensuring accuracy of testing, maintaining quality control systems, and supporting patient diagnosis and treatment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of laboratory tests and procedures, including advanced and complex analyses. Recognizes deviations from expected results and resolves issues using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and resolves problems related to specimen collection and processing, considering physiologic factors and testing requirements.
• Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and equipment. Performs and documents preventive maintenance and identifies issues affecting test performance.
• Conducts quality control and quality assurance activities, including corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement methods.
• Adheres to all biosafety and biosecurity regulations and maintains a safe laboratory environment.
• Identifies testing discrepancies, resolves problems, and recommends effective solutions.
• Responds to inquiries regarding test results, methodologies, and factors influencing accuracy. Interprets findings and recommends follow-up testing as needed.
• Assists in evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures, including method comparisons and reference interval establishment.
• Communicates effectively and courteously with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues, delivering high-quality customer service.
• Provides guidance based on established laboratory principles and serves as a resource to clinical staff.
• Organizes work efficiently, sets priorities, and meets deadlines.
• Complies with all VHA and local directives related to safety, hazardous materials, life safety, and emergency management.
• Performs other duties as assigned, commensurate with grade level.

Work Schedule: Full-time, primarily Monday through Friday, midnight to 10:30 AM, with rotating weekends and holidays.

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

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)

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 623-60498-A, 623-60499-A, 623-60500-A

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized