Clinical Lab Scientist

Summary A Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to the following: Incumbents use their comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to produce sound independent work. The incumbent applies their comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles to consistently manage quality control, process improvements, inventories, and documentation in laboratory operations. Properly collects, handles, accessions, and labels specimens according to safety, patient identification, and infection control policies. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiological processes and requirements. Evaluates the suitability and preparation of specimens for analysis, maintains seamless identification, preserves the viability of the specimen, and ensures uniformity is maintained. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction and implements corrections. Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results, analyzer messages/flags, and incongruous data. Conducts quality control procedures for processes including equipment, reagents, and products. Maintains quality control data in format designed for each system. The incumbent produces statistical spreadsheets, charts, and records for quality control reports. Develop protocols for new instruments including writing procedures and establishing protocols for running testing platforms, instruments, and analyzers. Includes development of quality control for test methods, calculating the mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) to determine clinical significance. Operates a variety of instruments and analyzers. Uses knowledge and training to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and performs regular maintenance on instruments. Contacts "Field Service" or "Technical Hotline" when necessary to continue problem solving. Evaluates the validity of patient results by correlating quantitative data with patient data and information (i.e., history, and medications) to release results for clinical use. Recognizes abnormal results that require follow up testing, confirms accuracy of abnormal results, and communicates to clinic care providers effectively. Responsible for monitoring the flow of manual or analyzer generated results from the work area into the electronic patient medical record. Edits, corrects, verifies results if needed and documents changes, notifies licensed provider. Participates in laboratory proficiency testing program and reports all errors without exception associated with the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic testing. Fully participates in process improvement and High Reliability Organization initiatives and patient safety requirements. Takes an active role in on-line data entry for Pr results. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as College of American Pathologist (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Federal Drugs administration (FDA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the VA National Enforcement Office (NEO) and VHA Directive 1106.1. Assists in preparing the lab for regulatory and accreditation inspections. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist communicates, consults, and interacts with laboratory patients, clinical staff, facility 'customers', vendors, private care offices, and all patient care teams. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Performs laboratory work according to the safety standards, precautions, and awareness required to work in a bio-hazard area with flammable and reactive chemicals. Use of personal protective equipment and avoiding risk is required. Performs, evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory results. In all areas, clinical laboratory scientist prepares reagents, assembly equipment, and verifies correct instrument operation. Attends on-site and off-site instrument training schools (completing the expert level course, if offered). That expertise is then offered to other technical staff by conducting training events, competency testing exercise, review of correct procedures if problems arise and general oversight of instrument operation. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (7:00am - 3:30pm) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 14689F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f) Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. OR, The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified below automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). Grandfathering Provision: Applicants may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). GS-11 Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR, Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science. AND, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Preferred Experience: Histology experience is strongly preferred. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). 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 GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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 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.