Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Tulsa, OK

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex diagnostic testing on human specimens to support the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Testing may include hematology, chemistry, immunohematology (blood bank), microbiology, immunology, cytogenetics, anatomic pathology, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostics, and flow cytometry. The CLS performs the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of laboratory testing.

This position is with the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System. The full performance level is GS-11; the actual appointment grade may range from GS-07 to GS-11. Work schedules include day, evening, or night shifts, with rotating weekends and holidays. A compressed schedule is available. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The potential award is up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required.
• Meet a qualifying certification option: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT, or generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT. Eligible non-certified applicants may be considered under specified routes to sit for the MLS certification examination; they may only be appointed at entry level, must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the full performance level, and must obtain certification to be promoted or converted.
• Foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to qualifying U.S. education or supported by documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming examination eligibility.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• GS-07: No experience beyond the basic requirements is required.
• GS-09: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07, or a master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science.
• GS-09 knowledge and abilities include clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures; quality control and assurance principles; laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; teamwork and completing assignments; interpreting written instructions; and accurately performing all phases of testing.
• GS-11: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09, or three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science.
• GS-11 knowledge and abilities include advanced clinical laboratory science principles and practices; quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; informatics, laboratory data flow, and processes; maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing laboratory instrumentation; independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results; applying complex written instructions; and effective communication with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients.
• Applicants selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Selected applicants are subject to background and security investigation, onboarding requirements, and a one- or two-year trial period.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA healthcare personnel.
• The incumbent must meet the stated physical and visual requirements, including moderate lifting up to 20 pounds and the specified movement, standing, sensory, cognitive, and emotional abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as a generalist performing laboratory testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of laboratory tests and procedures, including advanced and complex analyses.
• Recognize deviations from expected results and resolve issues using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve problems related to specimen collection and processing, considering physiologic factors and testing requirements.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment; perform and document preventive maintenance and identify issues affecting test performance.
• Conduct quality control and quality assurance activities, including corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement methods.
• Follow biosafety and biosecurity regulations and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
• Identify testing discrepancies, resolve problems, and recommend effective solutions.
• Respond to inquiries about test results, methodologies, and factors influencing accuracy; interpret findings and recommend follow-up testing as needed.
• Assist in evaluating and implementing laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures, including method comparisons and reference interval establishment.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues, and provide high-quality customer service.
• Provide guidance based on established laboratory principles and serve as a resource to clinical staff.
• Organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Comply with VHA and local directives related to safety, hazardous materials, life safety, and emergency management.
• Perform other duties as assigned, commensurate with grade level.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with potential student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for an approved eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Annual leave accrual, with possible credit for prior federal work or military service if requested and approved before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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