Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16), at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. It is within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Rapid Analytical Chemistry. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-07 through GS-11.

The scientist performs routine and advanced laboratory testing and related tasks, identifies and resolves problems using scientific principles, and evaluates biological specimen collection and processing. The role includes maintaining laboratory equipment, performing quality control and assurance, following biosafety and biosecurity practices, interpreting results, advising on follow-up testing, evaluating new techniques, and training employees and students. The scientist works with the healthcare team, provides courteous customer service, and organizes work to meet deadlines.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with alternating weekends and holidays; the schedule may change with facility needs. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is subject to a one- or two-year trial period and requires compliance with VA employment conditions, including a background/security investigation and seasonal influenza vaccination.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. A non-certified applicant may qualify under the stated VA routes to certification and temporary appointment provisions.
• 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, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures; laboratory quality control and assurance; laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; teamwork and assignment completion; interpreting written instructions; and performing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases accurately.
• 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, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles and practices, quality control and assurance and performance improvement; informatics, laboratory data flow, and processes; instrumentation maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair; independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results; application of complex written instructions; and communication and consultation with healthcare team members, external relations, customers, and patients.
• Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including urinalysis for illegal drug use if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, background/security investigation, and required identification and application documentation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Physical tasks may include standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures, including testing and tasks associated with the medical laboratory technician occupation.
• Perform advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognize deviations from expected results; and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and solve problems 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 deviations in test performance caused by instrument malfunction.
• Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions using statistical principles and performance-improvement theories.
• Adhere to workplace biosafety and biosecurity practices and regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
• Answer inquiries about test results, methodology, test specificity and sensitivity, and factors that influence results.
• Interpret results and suggest follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluate and implement new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment and method comparisons and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
• Interpret findings and make recommendations.
• Instruct and train new employees and students and contribute to the laboratory's in-service and continuing education program.
• Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member and provide service to healthcare providers, patients, and others.
• Give direction and guidance based on principles of laboratory testing.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families, with specific eligibility depending on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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