Clinical Lab Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Louisville, KY

18d • 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 testing, including work performed by medical laboratory technicians, as well as advanced and complex procedures. The scientist evaluates specimens and test results, resolves problems using scientific principles, maintains laboratory equipment, and carries out quality control and assurance activities in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.

The position offers tour options of Monday through Friday, 1600–2400 or 2000–0400, and three-day schedules of 1600–0400 or 2000–0800. All tours include rotating weekends and holidays. The position is not eligible for telework or virtual work. Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified individuals at GS-7 and GS-9. The position is in the Excepted Service and has a one- or two-year trial period. Eligible employees may apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program requirements and approval; the award may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizens may be appointed under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written 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. Applicants without current certification may qualify for a temporary appointment if eligible to sit for the specified certification examination and must actively work toward 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 and quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instruments, independently analyze and interpret results, apply complex written instructions, and communicate with healthcare team members and other contacts.
• Must meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete onboarding and application requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Physical capacity for intermittent moderate lifting (15–44 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing up to four hours, repeated bending up to two hours, and intermittent stooping and kneeling.
• Ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13–16 inches; read ordinary type and computer screens; hear (hearing aid permitted); work with constant noise and closely with others; maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment, emotional stability in stressful situations, and wear required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures and testing.
• Evaluate specimen collection and processing issues, determine specimen suitability, and request replacement specimens when needed.
• Prepare specimens for analysis while preserving their relevant physiologic properties.
• Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor test procedures using manual or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintain, calibrate, standardize, adjust, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment; identify malfunctions and make simple repairs.
• Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities, corrective actions, and performance-improvement work.
• Verify instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks; maintain proper quality control records.
• Evaluate the validity of test data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.
• Correlate quantitative results with patient history and medications, perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal results, and promptly report results requiring physician attention.
• 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 when management determines it is necessary based on workload and staffing.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards of up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified individuals eligible at GS-7 and GS-9.

What This Job Offers

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