Clinical Lab Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Boise, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Pathology and Lab Medical Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID. This position serves as a generalist in clinical laboratory science with responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematology, and Microbiology. The generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
• Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
• Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT (Note: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

Nice To Haves

• Non-Certified applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.
• 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 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
• Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory occupation.
• Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments.
• Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.
• Performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.
• Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results.
• Recognizes abnormal and critical results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
• Follows established guidelines for performance of all testing to include proficiency testing.
• Communicates effectively and courteously with medical center staff (health professionals and administrative staff), outside facilities and patients in a professional manner.
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
• Keeps supervisors abreast of any problems or concerns vital to the operation of the laboratory.
• Maintains competency in phlebotomy.
• 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.

Benefits

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Learn more about federal benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level