Clinical Lab Scientist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, including award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years), is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after full review of the application. Qualifications Citizenship: United States citizenship required; non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an acceptable agency and found equivalent to a U.S. clinical laboratory science degree or if the applicant submits a letter from ASCP/AMT indicating eligibility to take the certification examination. Certification: Candidates must hold one of the following: (a) Generalist certification as an MLS issued by ASCP BOC or AMT; (b) Generalist certification as an MT issued by ASCP BOC or AMT; or (c) Categorical or specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Categorical and specialist certifications are acceptable for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or for certain non‑section specific assignments. Grandfathering: Current VHA employees who meet the criteria of the Qualification Standard as of its effective date (12/03/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held. Grade‑Determining Criteria (GS‑11): Candidates must meet either (a) 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or (b) 3 full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education or a Ph.D. in medical technology or a directly related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, informatics, instrument maintenance, and the ability to apply technical judgment, communicate with healthcare team members, and interact with patients or external partners. Preferred Experience: Histology experience is strongly preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit Duties This position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System. The incumbent functions as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Castle Point Campus, primarily in the anatomic pathology/histology section. Responsibilities include: preparing and analyzing tissue samples for microscopic examination, fixing them in formalin, embedding in paraffin wax, sectioning into thin slices with a microtome, mounting onto glass slides, and applying appropriate staining methods such as hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical procedures. Apply comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles to manage quality control, process improvements, inventories, and documentation. Collect, handle, accession, and label specimens according to safety, patient identification, and infection control policies. Evaluate and solve problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens. Recognize abnormal results requiring follow‑up testing, confirm accuracy, and communicate findings effectively to clinic care providers. Perform, evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results, including analyzer messages, flags, and incongruous data. Operate laboratory equipment safely, including use of personal protective equipment and avoidance of risk. Conduct quality control procedures for equipment, reagents, and products, and maintain quality control data in the appropriate system format. Create statistical spreadsheets, charts, and records for quality control reports, and respond to indicators of malfunction with corrective actions. Perform other duties as assigned. Benefits and Compensation Competitive salary and regular salary increases, with potential for higher step rates based on qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, eligible full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may obtain a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs (maximum $416.66 monthly). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance; many federal insurance programs continue into retirement. Telework: Not available. This is a non‑virtual position. Fixed Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Full time with varied schedule, including rotating weekends and holidays. EDRP Coordinator Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for program information. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs