Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Oklahoma City, OK

4d • 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 position performs the full range of Clinical Laboratory Scientist testing and related tasks, including advanced and complex procedures. The scientist evaluates test results and specimen issues, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment, performs quality assurance activities, and follows biosafety and biosecurity practices. The role also supports evaluation and implementation of new methods, provides guidance and training, and communicates with healthcare team members and customers.

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. The evening schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to midnight, with rotating weekends and holidays. Telework is not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or qualification under the stated grandfathering provision.
• 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 or specialist certification must be relevant to the position and laboratory section.
• 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 laboratory informatics, data flow, and processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; exercise independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results; interpret and apply complex instructions; and communicate and interact with healthcare team members and customers.
• Foreign education must meet the stated equivalency requirements; supporting foreign transcript evaluation or certification eligibility documentation may be required.
• Meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting up to 20 pounds, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing and walking for up to four hours, bending, kneeling, and use of hands, arms, and legs; visual, hearing, cognitive, and emotional requirements also apply.
• Selected applicants must complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including a drug test, background/security investigation, physical evaluation, and required influenza vaccination participation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the conditions described in the announcement.
• Complete all application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures and testing across multiple specialties.
• Evaluate biological specimen collection and processing issues in light of physiologic processes and testing requirements.
• Maintain, calibrate, and document laboratory equipment; identify malfunctions, perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance, and diagnose instrument-related deviations in test performance.
• Perform and document quality control, quality assurance, and corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement concepts where applicable.
• Follow workplace biosafety and biosecurity practices and regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
• Answer questions about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and factors that influence results.
• Interpret results and recommend follow-up testing or procedures.
• Assist with evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment and method comparisons and establishing reference intervals when applicable.
• 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 member of the healthcare team and provide service to healthcare providers, patients, and others.
• Provide direction and guidance on laboratory testing principles.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.

Benefits

• 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.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income, child eligibility, and monthly 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 may be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

What This Job Offers

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