Clinical Lab Scientist (Microbiology) - EDRP/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

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. 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. United States 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. SUPERVISORY CLS (Laboratory Director) - GS‑15 - requires unique education requirements – see assignment for details. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below:

• 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.

Grandfathering Provision: Employees currently in VHA who meet criteria as of 12/03/2024 are considered to have met all qualification requirements. Foreign Education: Credentials earned outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to a U.S. program by an approved evaluation agency. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degrees must meet one of the following:

• Foreign transcripts evaluated and found equivalent to NAACLS‑approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree.
• Letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating eligibility to take the certification examination.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Spoken and written English proficiency as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: Candidates for GS‑11 must meet experience or education criteria. Experience:

• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑9.
• Examples include evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating test results; routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance; troubleshooting; innovative procedures.

Education: ⦁ 3 full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Clinical laboratory science principles and practices.
• Laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement principles.
• Informatics and laboratory data flow.
• Instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
• Communication and customer service skills with health‑care team.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of microbiology experience – plate reading, susceptibility testing.
• Experience with PCR testing.
• Experience with microbiology equipment troubleshooting.

Duties The Clinical Lab Scientist (Microbiology) position is located at Audie L. Murphy VAMC in San Antonio, Texas. Use extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory science to independently plan, perform, and evaluate a wide range of complex laboratory tests. Exercise professional judgment to troubleshoot unexpected test results, resolve technical issues, and adapt methods when necessary. Apply quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement principles to manage laboratory reagents, supplies, and inventories. Adhere to policies for specimen collection, handling, accessioning, and labeling, ensuring patient safety and infection control. Evaluate specimen suitability and request new specimens if necessary, preserving the integrity of samples. Read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions, SOPs, and regulatory guidelines. Prepare specimens using advanced methodologies and confirm pre‑analytical variables. Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor testing procedures using manual and automated techniques. Operate complex laboratory instruments and analyzers (e.g., cell counters, chemistry analyzers, urinalysis analyzers, microscopes). Calibrate, standardize, adjust, and maintain equipment with QC procedures. Assist in orienting, training new employees, and guiding them in procedures, QC, safety, and instrument operation. Communicate effectively and courteously as part of the healthcare team. Provide excellent service to healthcare providers, patients, and others. Accompany the supervisory CLS, Laboratory Manager, or Laboratory Director in critical tasks and additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 1600‑2400, Monday‑Friday with rotating weekends and holidays. Benefits and Compensation Competitive salary with potential for higher step rate based on qualifications. Paid time off: 37‑50 days annually (including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays). Parental leave: up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months. Child care subsidy: eligible employees may receive up to 25% of childcare costs. Retirement: Traditional federal pension and 401(k) with up to 5% contributions. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care. Telework: not available. PCS: not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs