Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates problem solving methods. The Lead CLS prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs. Qualifications Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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 Education A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university Foreign Education 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:

• 1) 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
• 2) 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 in 4c above 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 Grandfathering Provision 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) English Language Proficiency Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)

GRADE DETERMINATIONS

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS-12 Experience One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results Preferred Experience Advanced knowledge of clinical microbiology techniques, instrumentation, and workflow Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory and accreditation requirements Expertise in bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, virology, and molecular diagnostics Ability to oversee daily operations of a high complexity microbiology laboratory Strong leadership, communication, and team building skills Physical Requirements The incumbent 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 Duties Act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty Orient and evaluate the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs Coordinate daily activity of the lab section(s) Write or modify technical procedures and provide technical instruction Ensure that policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements are followed Advise on course of action when results or samples obtained are unacceptable and coordinate or perform quality control reviews and method verification activities Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation Perform advanced and complex laboratory procedures Recognize deviation from expected results, analyze and correct problems using scientific principles, and implement policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing Accurately perform pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical phases of testing and analyze and interpret laboratory tests Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiological processes and requirements Maintain and document the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventive maintenance Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and perform and document quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions; evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge Interpret findings and make recommendations; evaluate the suitability of the specimen for analysis and request new specimen if determined to be unusable Prepare specimens for analysis ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained; prepare reagents and primary reference materials, assemble equipment, verify correct instrument operation Standardize, perform, and calculate 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. Correlate quantitative, biochemical, physiological, and morphologic data with other laboratory data and/or other patient data to verify results Perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and report results to the appropriate personnel and physicians; recognize abnormal results that require immediate attention and report them directly Generate laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system, edit and verify results recorded in the computer system, and review test results to detect clerical errors, significant analytical errors, and unusual laboratory results Assist in training new personnel, lower graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs Maintain safety and cleanliness of laboratory and follow all appropriate OSHA and HIPPA guidelines Perform any other duties as assigned Compensation and Benefits Work Schedule: Monday – Friday – 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Pay: Competitive salary with 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) 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 #: 635‑51214‑A #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs