Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

Job TitleClinical Laboratory ScientistDutiesPerforms 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 analyzes 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.Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs instrumentation.Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.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.Interprets findings and makes recommendations.Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.Conforms to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials and emergency management directives.Incumbent performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual and automated techniques. Duties require competency in the areas of Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology, Serology, Special Chemistry and Urinalysis. Testing duties in all disciplines require the Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results.Prepares reagents, and verifies correct instrument operation. Maintains validity of assay system by appropriate testing of reagents prior to use for patient testing. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures.Correlates and integrates information and performs additional testing to confirm abnormal results. The work involves accurate and timely completion of testing to provide relevant clinical information to physicians crucial to patient care.Recognizes all critical value results and for the effective and immediate communication of those results to the patient's provider following all required steps and documentation.Work ScheduleNightime shifts. Starting at 6:00pm until 6:30am. Final schedule determined upon hire and needs of the service. May require weekends and Holidays.PayCompetitive 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 Off37-50 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 LeaveAfter 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 SubsidyAfter 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 $416.66RetirementTraditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VAInsuranceFederal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Functional Statement #60468-A / 60469-A / 60470-A