Clinical Lab Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Louisville, KY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. The role performs a broad range of laboratory procedures, including medical laboratory technician tasks and advanced, complex testing. The scientist evaluates specimens and test results, maintains laboratory instruments, performs quality control and assurance, and ensures compliance with laboratory protocols and applicable regulations. The position may rotate to another laboratory section or shift as management determines based on workload and staffing needs. Various tours are available, with rotating weekends and holidays discussed during the interview process. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and application requirements. The program may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement; approval, award amount, and eligibility period are determined after review of the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Applicants must meet applicable education and certification requirements. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11. Non-certified applicants may be eligible for a temporary appointment while working toward certification, subject to the specified eligibility and supervision requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, unless qualifying under an applicable grandfathering provision.
• Generalist MLS certification through ASCP BOC or AMT, or generalist MT certification through ASCP BOR or AMT; categorical or specialist certifications do not satisfy the generalist requirement unless an applicable exception applies.
• Eligible non-certified applicants must meet an identified route to take the MLS certification examination and must actively work toward certification; temporary appointment and supervision restrictions apply.
• 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 professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; quality control and assurance and performance improvement; laboratory informatics, data flow, and processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; exercise independent technical judgment in interpreting results; apply complex written instructions; and communicate and interact with health care team members, external relations, customers, and patients.
• Foreign education must meet the stated equivalency requirements and be documented through an acceptable evaluation or certification-exam eligibility letter, as applicable.
• Selected applicants must complete applicable pre-employment screening, onboarding, identification, and application-document requirements; testing-designated positions are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Must meet the seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA health care personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the position's physical requirements, including lifting and carrying, manual dexterity, walking, standing, bending, possible prolonged stooping or kneeling, color distinction, near vision, hearing, working in constant noise and close proximity to others, sustained cognitive performance in a fast-paced environment, emotional stability, and use of required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures, including tasks associated with the medical laboratory technician occupation.
• Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, considering physiologic processes and requirements.
• Assess specimen suitability, request replacement specimens when necessary, and prepare specimens while preserving their physiologic properties.
• Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including calibration, standardization, adjustment, troubleshooting, simple repairs, and preventive maintenance.
• Recognize instrument malfunctions and deviations in test performance, diagnose causes, and implement corrections; refer unfamiliar or unanticipated issues to experienced staff.
• Perform and document quality control and assurance activities, corrective actions, and performance-improvement procedures.
• Conduct quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintain associated records.
• Evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures; correlate quantitative results with patient information to verify results.
• Perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and promptly report results requiring physician attention.
• Generate laboratory results in the laboratory computer system and edit and verify recorded results.
• Adhere to biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory requirements, including applicable CAP and OSHA protocols.
• Rotate to another laboratory section or shift as management deems necessary based on workload and staffing requirements.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• 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