Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Tulsa, OK

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex diagnostic testing on human specimens to support the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Work may involve laboratory specialties including Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry. The CLS performs the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

This position is with the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System. The full performance level is GS-11; the vacancy may be filled at GS-07 through GS-11. The work schedule may be day shift (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday), evening shift (2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.), or night shift (midnight to 10:00 a.m.), with rotating weekends and holidays. A compressed schedule is available.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and application within four months of appointment. EDRP approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for the incentive.

Applicants must meet the stated education and certification requirements or an eligible exception for non-certified applicants. Non-certified CLS appointees must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level, may only be appointed at the entry level, and may not be promoted or converted until certification is obtained. A non-certified temporary appointment may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment.

The position requires a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and a qualifying generalist certification, unless an exception applies. Candidates must be proficient in written and spoken English. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, subject to the stated limited exception for non-citizens. Selected applicants are subject to pre-employment drug screening, a background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, seasonal influenza vaccination, and a one- or two-year trial period. Physical requirements include moderate lifting and other activities described in the posting.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT, or generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT; alternatively, applicants may qualify under an eligibility route to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT.
• Non-certified applicants must meet the applicable eligibility route and, if appointed, work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level; they may only be appointed at entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certified.
• Foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education and meet the stated program-equivalency or certification-exam eligibility conditions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• 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 closely related science.
• For GS-09: knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures, quality control and quality assurance principles, and laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; ability to work effectively 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 GS-09, or three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science.
• For GS-11: knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation, apply independent technical judgment to laboratory results, interpret complex instructions, and communicate effectively with healthcare team members, partners, customers, and patients.
• Applicants must complete the application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Selected applicants are subject to pre-employment urinalysis drug screening, background/security investigation, online onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Selected applicants must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Physical ability to perform the listed tasks, including moderate lifting up to 20 pounds, pushing, pulling, reaching, using fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to four hours, kneeling, and repeated bending; the stated visual, hearing, cognitive, and emotional requirements also apply.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as a generalist performing laboratory testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of laboratory tests and procedures, including advanced and complex analyses.
• Recognize deviations from expected results and resolve issues using scientific principles.
• Evaluate and resolve problems related to specimen collection and processing, considering physiologic factors and testing requirements.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Perform and document preventive maintenance and identify issues affecting test performance.
• Conduct quality control and quality assurance activities, including corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement methods.
• Follow biosafety and biosecurity regulations and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
• Identify testing discrepancies, resolve problems, and recommend effective solutions.
• Respond to inquiries about test results, methodologies, and factors influencing accuracy.
• Interpret findings and recommend follow-up testing as needed.
• Assist in evaluating and implementing laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures, including method comparisons and reference interval establishment.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues, providing high-quality customer service.
• Provide guidance based on established laboratory principles and serve as a resource to clinical staff.
• Organize work efficiently, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Comply with VHA and local directives related to safety, hazardous materials, life safety, and emergency management.
• Perform other duties as assigned, commensurate with grade level.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program eligibility, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years if approved.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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