Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Allied Health Professional

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs the full range of laboratory testing duties listed at the full performance level including duty on weekends and holidays.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Assists the Supervisor in modifying existing procedures as new tests are brought on board and as testing requirements change. Ensures that Document Control is up to date.
• Participates in quality assurance efforts by indicating quality improvement indicators. Develops a system to monitor indicators and recommends/implements corrective actions when indicated. Gathers information for monthly Quality Assurance monitors. Uses statistical programs to measure acceptability.
• Reviews regulatory requirements for CAP, JCAHO, FDA, OSHA and AABB to ensure compliance. Performs all needed maintenance and testing to ensure compliance to include, but not limited to pipette and balance maintenance, Analytical Measurement ranges, Reference Range studies, linearity studies and monthly reviews of charts.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• Performs duties as the Contract Officer Representative for the department and accepts invoices in the IPPS system.
• In the absence of the Supervisor, assigns, directs and reviews the work of other Clinical laboratory scientists in the department.
• Communicates effectively, professionally and courteously verbally and in writing. Gives direction and guidance using principles of laboratory testing.
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation. Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation. Is responsible for validation/ method verification of new instrumentation as it is brought on board.
• Identifies training needs and provides appropriate training and competency as delegated by the Director of PALMS. Performs retraining as needed.
• Maintains documentation of supplies and inventory and ensures that all new lots of reagents are labeled properly and tested for acceptability.
• Acts as a liaison to other departments and represents the laboratory in meetings.
• Incumbent works with supervisor to arrive at solutions that minimizes organizational disruption on any job-related issues.
• Readily accepts additional authority and responsibility during brief periods where immediate supervisor is away from the work site that assists the medical center to maintain consistent operations.

Work Schedule: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm with Rotating Weekends and Holidays

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 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 #: 93853A

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized