Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Oklahoma City, OK

8h • Onsite

About The Position

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs complex diagnostic testing across multiple specialties within the Pathology and Laboratory Service at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. The role ensures accurate testing processes, maintains instruments, troubleshoots issues, conducts quality control, validates results, supports patient care, and manages laboratory projects independently.

The scientist performs a broad range of laboratory procedures, including advanced and complex testing; identifies deviations from expected results; and analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. The role evaluates issues involving the collection and processing of biological specimens, maintains laboratory equipment, performs calibration and preventive maintenance, diagnoses instrument-related testing deviations, and documents quality control, quality assurance, and corrective actions. The scientist also answers questions about test results and methodology, interprets findings, recommends follow-up testing, and may assist with evaluating and implementing laboratory techniques and procedures.

The position includes training employees and students, participating in continuing education, communicating courteously as part of a healthcare team, providing customer-focused service, and organizing work to meet deadlines. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11. The position is at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center and is not virtual or eligible for telework. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to midnight, with rotating weekends and holidays.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; foreign education must meet the stated equivalency requirements.
• Generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT, generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT, or an eligible categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. Categorical and specialist certifications are limited to relevant positions or laboratory sections.
• For GS-09: 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.
• For GS-09: 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, complete assignments, interpret written instructions, and accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases.
• For GS-11: 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-11: knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; and informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
• For GS-11: ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results; apply complex written instructions; and communicate and interact with healthcare team members and customers.
• Complete required application documents and provide required certification and, where applicable, valid transcripts.
• Pass required pre-employment urinalysis, background/security investigation, and physical evaluation; complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Comply with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and certification requirements.
• Meet the position's physical requirements, including moderate lifting up to 20 pounds; pushing, pulling, reaching, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, and use of fingers, hands, arms, and legs; specified visual and hearing abilities; cognitive function and emotional stability.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of clinical laboratory procedures, including advanced and complex testing.
• Recognize deviations from expected results and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve problems involving the collection and processing of biological specimens.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and document the functioning of laboratory equipment; perform limited minor repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement theories when applicable.
• Follow workplace biosafety and biosecurity practices and regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
• Answer inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and factors that influence results.
• Interpret results and suggest follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Assist in evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment, method comparisons, and reference intervals.
• Interpret findings and make recommendations.
• Instruct and train new employees and students and contribute to laboratory in-service and continuing education.
• Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member and provide customer-focused service.
• Give direction and guidance based on laboratory testing principles.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, subject to the stated conditions.
• Child care subsidy eligibility for qualifying full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income, child eligibility, and subsidy 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.
• Potential annual leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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