Clinical Lab Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Albany, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is part of the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Albany VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory procedures and results for biological specimens and environmental samples using manual or automated techniques. The work requires broad independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.

The CLS Generalist performs a broad range of laboratory testing, including advanced and complex procedures; identifies and resolves deviations and problems using scientific principles; maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment; performs quality-control and quality-assurance activities; and ensures compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory requirements. The CLS also interprets and communicates test results, advises on follow-up testing, evaluates and implements laboratory methods, trains employees and students, and works collaboratively with healthcare team members to support patient care.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays. Compressed or flexible scheduling, telework, virtual work, relocation assistance, and recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program requirements and approval.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed 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, subject to the stated requirements for foreign education.
• Generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or an acceptable categorical or specialist certification, subject to the stated limitations for CLS Generalist positions.
• For GS-11, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, 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, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles and practices; laboratory quality-control, quality-assurance, and performance-improvement principles; informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes; and the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
• For GS-11, demonstrate the ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results; read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions; and communicate, consult, and interact with healthcare team members, external relations, customers, and patients.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening and employment conditions, including background/security investigation, drug testing for testing-designated positions, physical evaluation, influenza vaccination, onboarding, and a one- or two-year trial period.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Complete all application requirements specified in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• One year of clinical laboratory scientist experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures and testing, including advanced and complex procedures.
• Recognize deviations from expected results and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve issues related to collection and processing of biological specimens, accounting for physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintain and document optimal laboratory equipment functioning; use, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Diagnose test-performance deviations caused by instrument malfunction.
• Perform and document quality-control, quality-assurance, and corrective-action activities using statistical principles and performance-improvement theories.
• Follow biosafety and biosecurity practices and regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
• Respond to inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and factors affecting results.
• Interpret results and recommend follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluate and implement laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment assessment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals.
• Interpret findings and make recommendations.
• Instruct and train new employees and students and contribute to laboratory in-service and continuing education programs.
• Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member and provide service to healthcare providers, patients, and others.
• Provide direction and guidance on principles underlying laboratory testing.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ensure laboratory tests and procedures meet accrediting agency standards and requirements; assess ongoing compliance with protocols, guidelines, and applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties needed to support patient care.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and program approval; awards may be up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential 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 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 income and other eligibility 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 can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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