Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent)

Veterans Health Administration • Louisville, KY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) works in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. The position performs a broad range of laboratory procedures, including medical laboratory technician tasks and advanced, complex procedures. The scientist evaluates specimens and test results, troubleshoots laboratory problems and equipment, and performs quality assurance activities in compliance with applicable regulations.

The position is intermittent, with various tours available and rotating weekends and holidays. The full performance level is GS-11, and applicants may be selected at grades GS-7 through GS-11. The position is not virtual, telework is not available, and relocation assistance and recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized.

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.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or qualification under an applicable grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
• Generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT, or generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; an applicable non-certified route may qualify for a temporary entry-level appointment while actively pursuing certification.
• 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 procedures and performance improvement; skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation, exercise independent technical judgment in interpreting results, apply complex written instructions, and communicate with health care team members and other contacts.
• Foreign education must meet the stated equivalency requirements and be supported by the required evaluation or certification-exam eligibility documentation.
• Meet physical requirements, including lifting and carrying, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing, bending, possible prolonged stooping or kneeling, color and near-vision abilities, hearing (hearing aid permitted), and ability to work closely with others in a noisy, fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and emotional stability and wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including background/security investigation and drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position; participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated conditions for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced laboratory procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Evaluate the suitability of biological specimens, identify collection or processing issues, request replacement specimens when necessary, and prepare specimens while preserving their relevant properties.
• Recognize deviations from expected results and test performance, analyze problems using scientific principles, and refer unfamiliar situations or deviations from regular procedures to more experienced staff when needed.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including calibration, standardization, adjustment, troubleshooting, simple repairs, and preventive maintenance; identify malfunctions and document equipment performance.
• Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities, corrective actions, and performance monitoring for equipment, reagents, products, and testing.
• Evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures; correlate quantitative results with patient information and perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal results.
• Recognize abnormal results requiring immediate physician attention and report them directly.
• Generate laboratory results in the laboratory computer system and edit and verify recorded results.
• Follow 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

• 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.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• 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 family income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a 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.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level