CLS - Lab Chemistry

This Open Continuous Announcement is for Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist positions at the East Orange VA, part of the New Jersey VA Health Care System. As generalists, selected candidates will rotate through various laboratory sections, perform complex diagnostic testing, validate results, maintain laboratory instruments, and ensure accuracy and quality in patient care.
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****Positions will be within the Pathology and Laboratory service at the East Orange Campus.
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This position serves as an Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the East Orange VA , part of the New Jersey VA Health Care System . The incumbent functions as a generalist and rotates through multiple laboratory sections, including Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology/Molecular, Serology, Special Chemistry, Urinalysis, and reference testing. Performing a broad range of routine and complex laboratory procedures.
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles using a comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.
Performs testing by being able to interpret and apply complex written instructions.
Organizing workload, prioritizing urgent and routine tests, and meeting turnaround requirements.
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
Maintaining and documenting optimal instrument performance; Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and troubleshoots deviations to maintain optimal operating conditions and accuracy of test results.
Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions for testing platforms, quality control or patient results that deviate from expected performance.
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.
Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
Adhering to biosafety, biosecurity, and infection prevention regulations.
Communicating effectively as part of the healthcare team.
Pay: Competitive 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).
Telework : Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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Citizen to apply for this job.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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. your performance and conduct;
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.
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.A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
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).

Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
Non-Certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond two (2) years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11.
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.

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 use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

2-5 years of experience is required with understanding of Laboratory workflow, specimen acceptability and rejection criteria, troubleshooting, Quality control related to patient testing, regulatory compliance, proficiency testing, Quality Management/ Quality Assurance, communication and teamwork.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.
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.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.