Lead Clinical Lab Scientist

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Lead CLS may act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Duties may include, but are not limited to, orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs, coordinating daily activity of the lab section(s), writing or modifying technical procedures, providing technical instruction, ensuring that policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are followed, advising on course of action to follow when results or samples obtained are unacceptable and coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities.

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Implements policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.

Accurately performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing and analyze and interprets laboratory tests.

Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.

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.

Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.

Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.

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.

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.

Prepares reagents and primary reference materials, assembles equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests such as special stains and procedures associated with whole blood and microbiological specimens, special cytochemical stains, body fluid analysis differentials and smears, cardiac panels, crossmatching blood, etc.

Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic, and morphologic data with other laboratory data and/or other patient data to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports results.

Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.

Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Reviews test results to detect clerical errors, significant analytical errors, and unusual laboratory results.

Assists in training new personnel, lower graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs.

Maintains safety and cleanliness of laboratory. Follows all appropriate OSHA and HIPPA guidelines.

Performs any other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, rotating weekends and holidays, scheduled hours may defer on 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.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: TBD

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized