Lead Clinical Lab Scientist - Microbiology

Lead Clinical Lab Scientist – Microbiology Posted: 27-Mar-26 Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Internal Number: 862810200 Overview This position is 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 complete review of the EDRP application. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university Certification (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT Foreign education must be deemed at least equivalent to a U.S. program by a specialized credential evaluation organization. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs must meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts evaluated by an acceptable agency and found equivalent to a NAACLS‑approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating eligibility to take the certification examination. Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower GS‑11 grade level is required for all GS‑12 assignments. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results. Preferred Experience: Experienced in clinical microbiology – including proficiency with culture interpretation, organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Physical Requirements: May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Regular exposure to potentially irritating and volatile organic solutions and infectious materials. Adherence to safety and universal precautions with protective gear such as laboratory coats, fume hoods, safety goggles and gloves is required. Work is performed in a laboratory setting that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Duties Provide advanced knowledge of testing techniques and problem‑solving capabilities and serve as a resource for other technologists. Maintain in‑depth knowledge of all Microbiology and Serology policies and procedures and oversee specimen collection and processing. Perform and review quality control procedures, generate reports, and interpret test results. Review the work of all technologists on all shifts performing Micorbiology and Serology testing. Work with the section supervisor to ensure proficiency testing for all areas is completed and reported on time. Support quality improvement procedures – reports and records within the section. Provide appropriate reports and data to the section supervisor and attend service quality improvement meetings as requested. Familiar with CAP and Joint Commission standards and apply these guidelines to section practices and procedures. Generate, review and verify monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports using the VA computer system; serve as a resource for technologists in data entry and computer systems. Maintain accurate daily worksheets and patient records, verify abnormal data, correct errors, and generate informational and statistical reports. Assist the supervisor in maintaining control records for reagents and equipment and review daily quality control data. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (subject to change based on service needs). Compensation and Benefits Pay: Competitive salary with regular salary increases; may receive a higher step rate if higher or unique qualifications are present. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual PTO per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption or foster care placement. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with family income below $144,000 may receive childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs (max $416.66 per month). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Ad hoc available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00869-F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized. Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io – EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more about the Veterans Health Administration: #J-18808-Ljbffr