Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, under the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs a broad range of laboratory procedures, including the testing and tasks of a medical laboratory technician, as well as advanced and complex procedures. The scientist recognizes deviations from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles, and evaluates issues involving the collection and processing of biological specimens.

The role includes maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment; diagnosing test-performance problems caused by instrument malfunction; and conducting and documenting quality control, quality assurance, and corrective actions. The scientist follows biosafety and biosecurity practices, addresses discrepancies, responds to inquiries about test results and methodology, interprets findings, and recommends follow-up testing. The position also evaluates and implements laboratory techniques and procedures, trains employees and students, contributes to continuing education, and communicates effectively with healthcare team members and customers.

The position is full-time and permanent. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with alternating holidays and weekends; the schedule may change based on facility needs. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-11, with selection possible at GS-07 through GS-11.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval. The potential award is up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years. Applicants must submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. A recruitment incentive and relocation assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Meet an accepted certification route: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT.
• Applicants without current certification may qualify through an eligibility route in VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G24, and may be hired temporarily while working toward certification; they must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the full performance level, may be appointed only at entry level, and must obtain certification before promotion or conversion. Such temporary appointments may not extend beyond two years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
• Meet the grade-specific experience or education criteria: GS-07 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-09 requires either one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade or a master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science; GS-11 requires either one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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.
• For GS-09, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures, quality control and assurance principles, and laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; ability to work as a team member, read and interpret written instructions, complete assignments, and accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases.
• For GS-11, demonstrate knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; laboratory informatics, data flow, and processes; and the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation, exercise independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results, apply complex written instructions, and communicate and interact with healthcare team members and customers.
• Pass required pre-employment screening and physical evaluation, including urinalysis for selected applicants in testing-designated positions; complete background/security investigation and onboarding requirements; and provide acceptable identification and application documents.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and meet other stated conditions of employment, including any applicable trial period.
• Physical demands may include standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures, including testing and tasks performed by medical laboratory technicians, and advanced and complex laboratory procedures.
• Recognize deviations from expected results and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, accounting for physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment; document equipment function and diagnose instrument-related test-performance deviations.
• 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 test results, methodology, test specificity and sensitivity, and factors that influence results.
• Interpret results and recommend follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluate and implement new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment and method comparisons and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and technical knowledge.
• Interpret findings and make recommendations.
• Instruct and train new employees and students and contribute to the laboratory's in-service and continuing education program.
• Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member and provide service to healthcare providers, patients, and others.
• Provide direction and guidance on principles underlying laboratory testing.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 over one to five years
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Potential childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting
• Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs may be carried into retirement

What This Job Offers

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