Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Work is performed in a laboratory setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS occupation. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide information about the laboratory for other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnosis's deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biohazardous/personal safety and biohazardous/personal security in the workplace.
• 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. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:30pm-Rotating weekends; subject to change based on the needs of the facility

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.

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 #: 00791F / 00793F / 00811F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized