Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Oklahoma City, OK

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The pathology and laboratory service is recruiting a Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Generalist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The position performs a broad range of clinical laboratory testing and tasks, including advanced and complex procedures. The scientist evaluates test results and deviations, troubleshoots problems using scientific principles, and addresses issues involving biological specimen collection and processing. The role also maintains laboratory equipment and performs calibration, malfunction identification, limited minor repairs, and preventive maintenance.

The scientist performs and documents quality control and assurance activities, corrective actions, and performance improvement work; follows biosafety and biosecurity practices; and responds to inquiries about test results and testing methods. The position may assist with evaluating and implementing new techniques and procedures, interpreting findings, and making recommendations. It also includes training and instruction for employees and students, effective and courteous communication with the healthcare team, customer service, and organizing work to meet deadlines.

This is an overnight position with scheduled 10-hour shifts from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling is available for discussion with the supervisor. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The vacancy is in the Excepted Service and has a full performance level of GS-11; selection may be at GS-07 through GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated limited exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or qualifying under the applicable grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
• Meet one of the listed certification options: 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, subject to the stated restriction on categorical and specialist certifications for generalist positions.
• Submit a copy of the required certification with the application.
• For GS-09 consideration, meet 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.
• For GS-09 consideration, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures, laboratory quality control and assurance, and routine equipment 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 consideration, meet 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-11 consideration, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; quality control and assurance and performance improvement; laboratory informatics, data flow, and processes; and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation, use independent technical judgment to interpret results, apply complex written instructions, and communicate and consult with healthcare team members and others.
• Submit valid transcripts when using education to qualify at GS-11; foreign education must meet the stated equivalency requirements and be supported by appropriate documentation.
• Complete application requirements detailed in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Meet pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, required onboarding, acceptable identification, and urinalysis screening for selected applicants in testing-designated positions.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and written certification requirements.
• Meet the physical requirements, including moderate lifting up to 20 pounds and the listed reaching, pushing, pulling, hand use, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, visual, hearing, cognitive, and emotional capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MT/CLS/MLS) experience and certification.
• One year of experience is preferred, although recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in processing, hematology/coagulation, chemistry, basic transfusion medicine (including type/screen and crossmatching), and basic microbiology (including processing, plating, molecular testing, and reading Gram stains).
• Experience working in a dynamic, team-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of clinical laboratory procedures, including advanced and complex testing and tasks.
• Recognize deviations from expected test results and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, considering physiologic processes and analytical requirements.
• Maintain and document optimal laboratory equipment function; use and calibrate equipment, identify malfunctions, perform limited minor repairs, and complete preventive maintenance.
• Diagnose deviations in test performance caused by instrument malfunction.
• Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions, applying statistical principles and performance improvement theories when applicable.
• Follow workplace biosafety and biosecurity practices and regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
• Respond to inquiries about results, methodology, test specificity and sensitivity, and factors that influence results.
• Interpret results and suggest follow-up test selections or procedures.
• Assist, as needed, in evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals.
• 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.
• Give direction and guidance based on principles of laboratory testing.
• 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, consisting of 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 in connection with the 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 rules; subsidy is up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, with a stated monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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