Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs routine, advanced, and complex clinical laboratory procedures. The position evaluates and resolves issues involving biological specimen collection and processing, laboratory equipment, test performance, and quality control. The scientist interprets laboratory findings, answers questions about test results and methodology, and recommends follow-up testing or procedures. The role also evaluates and implements laboratory techniques and procedures, trains employees and students, and contributes to continuing education. The employee works as part of a healthcare team, provides courteous customer service, gives guidance on laboratory testing, and organizes work to meet deadlines.

The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-07 through GS-11. At GS-07, the employee is entry-level and works with daily direct supervision. At GS-09, the employee performs increasingly complex developmental work with less frequent supervision. At GS-11, the employee independently carries out day-to-day laboratory operations. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is not telework or virtual. Education Debt Reduction Program eligibility may be available subject to program requirements and approval.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where a non-citizen appointment is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Meet an accepted certification route: 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. Certain non-certified applicants may qualify for a temporary appointment while actively pursuing certification under specified eligibility routes.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-09, one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07, 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; laboratory quality control and assurance; laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; ability to work as a team member, complete assignments, read and interpret written instructions, and accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases.
• For GS-11, one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09, 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 clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; laboratory informatics, data flow, and processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; exercise independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results; interpret and apply complex written instructions; and communicate and consult with healthcare team members, external relations, customers, and patients.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, for testing-designated positions, pre-employment drug screening.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and required application documentation.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the trial period.
• Maintain required certification; non-certified appointees must actively pursue certification and meet the applicable deadline.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine, advanced, and complex clinical laboratory testing and tasks.
• Evaluate and resolve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, taking physiologic processes and requirements into account.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment; document its optimal functioning.
• Diagnose test-performance deviations caused by instrument malfunction.
• Perform and document quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions 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 test results.
• Interpret results and recommend follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluate and implement new laboratory techniques and procedures, including equipment and method comparison 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 laboratory in-service and continuing education.
• 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

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan repayment reimbursement, subject to individual eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 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 experience.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for qualifying full-time employees and families, 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 can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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