Clinical Lab Scientist (Microbiology)

Veterans Health Administration • Albany, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-performance, nonsupervisory position is in the Microbiology Department of the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Albany VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. The Clinical Lab Scientist develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates laboratory procedures and results, including advanced and complex microbiology testing. The role requires independent analysis and correction of testing problems using scientific principles, as well as sound technical judgment and attention to patient care.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Meet one of the certification options: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT; or eligibility under the stated grandfathering provision for qualifying current VHA employees.
• 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 perform independent work.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality-control and quality-assurance procedures and performance-improvement principles.
• Informatics, laboratory data-flow, and laboratory-process skills.
• 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 relations, and to provide customer service and patient education.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including urinalysis testing, background/security investigation, onboarding, and physical evaluation; participate in seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Nice To Haves

• One year of Clinical Laboratory Scientist microbiology experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of microbiology laboratory testing, including advanced and complex procedures; identify deviations from expected results and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve issues related to collection and processing of biological specimens, taking physiological processes and requirements into account.
• Maintain and document optimal laboratory equipment performance; use, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Diagnose test-performance deviations caused by instrument malfunction.
• Perform and document quality control, quality assurance, and corrective actions using statistical principles and performance-improvement theories.
• Follow workplace biosafety and biosecurity practices and regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
• Answer inquiries about results, methodology, test specificity and sensitivity, and factors influencing results; interpret results and suggest follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Assess and implement new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment evaluation, method comparisons, and establishment of reference intervals; interpret findings and make recommendations.
• Instruct and train new employees and students, and participate in the laboratory's in-service and continuing education program.
• Communicate courteously and effectively as a healthcare team member, provide customer-focused service, and give direction and guidance on laboratory testing principles.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• After training, potentially train new employees and students during onboarding.
• Monitor proficiency testing functions in the microbiology department.
• Ensure laboratory tests and procedures meet accrediting-agency standards and requirements.
• Assess day-to-day compliance with established protocols, guidelines, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Perform other duties needed to help fulfill patient care.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Selected applicants may receive credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family-income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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