Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Title

Microbiology Lab Technician

Duties

This position works with the Microbiology lab. Technical duties include:

• 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 considering physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs instrumentation.
• Maintains complete and accurate department records (quality control, routine equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, patient testing, shift hand-off logs, daily, weekly, and monthly checks, and others as defined by each department).
• Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
• 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.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• Shall conform to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials and emergency management directives.
• Provides advisory services to technicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Equipment/Supplies/Facilities:

• Serves as primary operator on new and established test systems and assumes responsibility for maintenance and troubleshooting per procedure. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction.
• Prepares reagents, primary reference standards and controls as needed.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments for testing.
• Verifies proper operation of instruments using established quality control procedures and checks to ensure accurate test results are reported.
• Assists in quality control review and input of QC data into offline system for submission of peer group data and validation of new QC when assigned.
• Identifies the cause of instrument malfunctions and troubleshoots equipment repairs if possible.
• Performs semiannual and annual checks on various instruments including pipette calibrations, linearity, method comparisons, precision, and accuracy.
• Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems as assigned.
• Assists in monitoring laboratory stock and notifies management of possible inventory shortages.
• Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to facility, agency, and/or accreditation requirements.

Work Schedule

4-10 hours shifts, 6:00am-4:30pm, rotating weekends and holidays.

Compressed/Flexible

Available

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 #

60656A, 60657A, 60658A

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)

Not Authorized