Clinical Lab Scientist
About The Position
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates laboratory procedures and results. Testing is conducted on biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, with broad independent judgment and responsibility and minimal technical supervision. The role applies professional medical technology and laboratory quality assurance expertise to laboratory operations, including quality control, process improvement, inventory management, documentation, specimen handling, result interpretation, and instrumentation. The scientist evaluates patient results in context, communicates abnormal findings and corrections to care providers, and supports reliable transfer of results into the electronic patient medical record. The scientist participates in proficiency testing, process improvement, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and accreditation preparation. The role also communicates with patients, clinical staff, vendors, and care teams, provides guidance and training to technical staff, and works according to safety requirements for biohazard areas and hazardous chemicals. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or qualifying categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. Categorical and specialist certifications are limited to relevant lab sections or specified non-section-specific assignments.
- For GS-11, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or three 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 sufficient to support independent work.
- Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and performance improvement principles.
- Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
- Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
- Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
- Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with healthcare team members and external contacts, and to provide customer service and patient education.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Pass required pre-employment screening, including applicable drug screening, background/security investigation, and physical examination; comply with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
- Meet applicable education equivalency documentation requirements if relying on foreign education.
Nice To Haves
- Histology experience is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate laboratory testing and results on biological specimens and/or environmental samples.
- Apply professional medical technology knowledge and independent judgment to produce accurate laboratory work.
- Manage quality control, process improvements, inventories, and laboratory documentation.
- Collect, handle, accession, and label specimens according to safety, patient identification, and infection control policies.
- Evaluate and resolve problems related to specimen collection, processing, suitability, preparation, identification, and viability.
- Recognize indicators of instrument or process malfunction and implement corrective actions.
- Analyze and interpret laboratory results, analyzer messages and flags, and incongruous data using independent technical judgment.
- Conduct quality control procedures for equipment, reagents, and products; maintain quality control data and produce statistical spreadsheets, charts, and reports.
- Develop protocols for new instruments and testing platforms, including procedures and quality control methods; calculate mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation to assess clinical significance.
- Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, standardize, adjust, and perform routine maintenance on instruments and analyzers; contact field service or technical support when needed.
- Evaluate patient-result validity by correlating quantitative data with patient history and medication information; release results for clinical use.
- Identify abnormal results requiring follow-up, confirm their accuracy, and communicate findings effectively to clinical care providers.
- Monitor manual and analyzer-generated results flowing into the electronic patient medical record; edit, correct, and verify results as needed, document changes, and notify a licensed provider.
- Participate in laboratory proficiency testing and report errors associated with pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic testing.
- Participate in process improvement, High Reliability Organization initiatives, and patient safety requirements; perform online data entry for Pr results.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including CAP, TJC, AABB, FDA, OSHA, VA NEO, and VHA Directive 1106.1; assist with inspection preparation.
- Communicate and interact courteously with laboratory patients, clinical staff, facility customers, vendors, private care offices, and patient care teams; provide customer service and guidance on laboratory testing.
- Follow safety standards and precautions for work in biohazard areas and with flammable and reactive chemicals, including using personal protective equipment and avoiding risk.
- Prepare reagents, assemble equipment, and verify correct instrument operation.
- Attend instrument training, complete expert-level courses when offered, and train and guide technical staff through training events, competency testing, procedure review, and oversight of instrument operation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
