Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Amarillo, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) carries out day-to-day laboratory operations and independently plans, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates complex laboratory procedures and results in accordance with regulatory and accreditation requirements. Work may span specialties including chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, immunohematology, and clinical microscopy. Testing is performed on biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual and automated methods.

The CLS conducts quality control and assurance activities, maintains and troubleshoots instruments, evaluates specimen suitability, and determines the validity of results and need for additional testing. The role requires independent judgment and prioritization with minimal technical supervision, including monitoring quality systems, supporting patient diagnosis and treatment, and communicating laboratory information to healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders. Assignments may include laboratory safety, analyzer or quality-control specialization, new test systems, supply control, competency assessment, proficiency programs, laboratory information management, or ancillary testing.

The CLS also maintains laboratory information systems and data flow, supports inventory and process-improvement efforts, trains and orients staff, and provides instruction on laboratory procedures, safety, and specimen handling. The position may involve working across laboratory areas and shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations, and may occasionally require travel to other laboratories for coverage. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11. The position is not virtual, and telework is not available. The announcement identifies an overnight schedule of 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM with rotating weekends.

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.
• Meet one of the stated certification options: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or related categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. The announcement also describes routes by which eligible non-certified applicants may be hired while pursuing certification.
• For foreign education, provide the required equivalency evaluation or certification-exam eligibility documentation, unless an accepted certification establishes creditability.
• For GS-9, one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-7, or a master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science; also demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities for that grade.
• 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; also demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities for that grade.
• Meet the applicable qualification pathway if applying without current certification, including the specified education, clinical practice or experience, and/or military training criteria.
• Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including applicable urinalysis, background/security investigation, identification, and application documentation requirements.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve the stated one- or two-year trial period, subject to the agency's evaluation and written certification for continued employment.
• Maintain required competency and be able to perform the duties described, including phlebotomy as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with current Laboratory Information Systems.
• Experience working off shift in a clinical laboratory.
• Competency in phlebotomy.
• Competency in drawing blood and blood cultures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate laboratory testing using manual and automated methods.
• Follow standard operating procedures and regulatory guidelines for specimen collection, handling, accessioning, labeling, suitability assessment, and preparation.
• Conduct routine and specialized quality-control checks, document results and deviations, and participate in corrective actions and performance improvement.
• Operate, calibrate, standardize, maintain, troubleshoot, and make appropriate repairs to laboratory instruments and analyzers.
• Evaluate test-result validity, correlate findings with patient history and medications, perform additional or confirmatory testing, recognize critical values, and promptly report them to treating physicians.
• Generate, edit, and verify laboratory results in the laboratory information system, maintaining accurate and timely data flow and secure release of results.
• Maintain adequate laboratory reagents and supplies and monitor inventory and storage conditions.
• Instruct Medical Center and CBOC personnel in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and specimen-handling techniques.
• Orient and train new employees in laboratory procedures, quality control, safety, and instrument operation.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and modifying laboratory-related computer applications and coordinate with technical representatives on software issues.
• Communicate test methodologies, limitations, and interpretations to healthcare providers, patients, and external stakeholders; respond professionally to inquiries.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe workplace, use required PPE, and follow safety and infection-control protocols when handling biological and chemical hazards.
• Maintain competency to perform laboratory testing across shifts and assist other laboratory areas when needed to support service continuity.
• Participate in process-improvement initiatives, meet continuing-education requirements, and apply data-driven decision-making.
• Work off-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations as needed; occasionally provide coverage at other laboratories.
• Perform other laboratory or medical-center tasks critical to departmental and VHA mission requirements as delegated by laboratory leadership.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with award amounts up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years, subject to application review and program requirements.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or agency needs, subject to approval.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual-leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Potential childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility requirements.
• 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 may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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