Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job TitleClinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) GS-11Job DescriptionThe Orlando VA Healthcare System Pathology and Laboratory Service is looking for an experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join their Chemistry team at the main Hospital facility located at Lake Nona-Orlando, Florida. Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) GS-11 is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. CLS at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. Performs routine and STAT testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. These require a broad exercise of independent judgement and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines such as but not limited to core lab, chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), special chemistry, body fluids, blood gases, immunology, and serology.Duties Include:Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Assigns priority to test requests and executes them expeditiously for use in critical care situations.Perform specimen processing, aliquoting, preservation, and receiving specimens delivered to the main laboratory collected in-house (inpatient/outpatient), or collected at the OPCs and CBOC's, ensuring patient identification is verified and maintained.Assist in reference testing (send out), lab specimen collections/receiving, laboratory specimen preservation, processing, and submit and ship specimens to approved reference laboratory and report reference laboratories, as assigned or when required.Performs steps of analysis for a full range of standard, routine, and specialized tests; selects appropriate method/instrument; performs instrument maintenance and performance checks; prepares reagents/media; calibrates or verifies calibration of the assay; performs analysis and calculates results, if applicable, for control and unknown samples.Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Document corrective actions related to test performance.Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.Other duties as assigned.Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm, with rotating weekends and holidays and extended hours 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 $416.66Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 82378FPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized