Clinical Lab Scientist

Summary Position 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 a complete review of the EDRP application. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. Categorical or specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard. Grade Determinations Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑9). Examples of specialized experience include independently carrying out the day‑to‑day operations in the laboratory, developing, performing, evaluating, interpreting, correlating, and validating the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Education: Must have 3 full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other health care team members, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Creditable Experience Experience that required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current CLS practices. Experience may be paid or non‑paid employment as a CLS in the health care field. Research laboratory experience does not fulfill this requirement. Part‑Time Experience Part‑time experience is creditable following its relationship to a full‑time workweek. For example, an individual employed 20 hours per week would receive 1 full‑time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Physical Requirements Moderate lifting and carrying (15‑44 lbs). As needed – straight pulling, pushing, walking, standing, repeated bending, reaching above shoulder, use of both hands, both legs, rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Ability to see and distinguish depth perception, basic colors, shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted). Ability to work in constant noise, machinery with moving parts, protracted or irregular hours. Duties Work throughout the lab as a generalist, working weekends, holidays, and evening or night shifts as needed. Perform testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and environmental samples using manual and automated techniques. Competency in immunohematology, hematology, chemistry, coagulation, microbiology, serology, special chemistry, urinalysis. Perform, evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results. Prepare reagents, assemble equipment, verify instrument operation. Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures and advanced complex procedures. Recognize deviations from expected results, analyze and correct problems using scientific principles. Recognize and communicate critical results affecting patient care. Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of specimens. Maintain and document optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, perform preventive maintenance. Document quality control, quality assurance activities, and corrective actions. Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity practices. Ensure compliance with regulations of CAP, TJC, AABB, FDA, OSHA. Assist in preparing the lab for regulatory and accreditation inspections. Identify discrepancies, solve problems, suggest solutions. Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity. Interpret results and suggest follow‑up tests or procedures. Evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures. Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member. Provide excellent service to patients and healthcare providers. Give direction and guidance using foundational laboratory testing principles. Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines. Maintain professional currency through formal education and professional training. Attend instrument training schools and conduct competency testing as needed. Perform additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (includes holidays and weekends). Telework not available. Not a virtual position. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io – EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. About the Company U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #J-18808-Ljbffr SupportFinity™