Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary

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.

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Duties

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Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System - Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

CLS is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in clinical laboratory specialties including, but not limited to, Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry. A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory test.

This position supports the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) and provides laboratory services for all Tulsa and Muskogee locations, including the Muskogee VA Medical Center and Tulsa Outpatient Clinic.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of laboratory tests and procedures, including advanced and complex analyses. Recognizes deviations from expected results and resolves issues using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and resolves problems related to specimen collection and processing, considering physiologic factors and testing requirements.
• Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and equipment. Performs and documents preventive maintenance and identifies issues affecting test performance.
• Conducts quality control and quality assurance activities, including corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement methods.
• Adheres to all biosafety and biosecurity regulations and maintains a safe laboratory environment.
• Identifies testing discrepancies, resolves problems, and recommends effective solutions.
• Responds to inquiries regarding test results, methodologies, and factors influencing accuracy. Interprets findings and recommends follow-up testing as needed.
• Assists in evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures, including method comparisons and reference interval establishment.
• Communicates effectively and courteously with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues, delivering high-quality customer service.
• Provides guidance based on established laboratory principles and serves as a resource to clinical staff.
• Organizes work efficiently, sets priorities, and meets deadlines.
• Complies with all VHA and local directives related to safety, hazardous materials, life safety, and emergency management.
• Performs other duties as assigned, commensurate with grade level.

Work Schedule : Full-time, primarily Monday through Friday, midnight to 10:00 AM, with rotating weekends and holidays.

Compressed/Flexible :Available

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.

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 # : 623-60498-A, 623-60499-A, 623-60500-A

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Basic Requirements :

• Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education : A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required.
• Certification:
• Candidates must meet one of the following certification options:
  1. Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT.
  2. Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT.
• Exception for Non-Certified Applicants:
  1. Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.
  2. Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
  3. Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL).
  4. Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained.
  5. Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment.
• Foreign Education: Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign credential review and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Foreign graduates qualify if: a.Their transcripts are evaluated as equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or b. They submit documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to take the certification examination. Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07

1. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09

1. Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
   1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07; or
   2. A master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
   1. Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures.
   2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
   3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
   4. Ability to work effectively as a team member and complete assignments.
   5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
   6. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11

1. Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
   1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09; or
   2. Three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
   1. Knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting independent work.
   2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement.
   3. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
   4. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
   5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
   6. Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
   7. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact effectively with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients.

Preferred Experience: Experience working as a Generalist performing laboratory testing.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.