Clinical Lab Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Louisville, KY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This 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 procedures, including medical laboratory technician tasks and advanced, complex procedures. The scientist evaluates specimens and test results, identifies deviations and instrument problems, and applies scientific principles to resolve issues. Unfamiliar situations and deviations from routine procedures are referred to more experienced staff for assistance or a decision.

The position includes maintaining laboratory equipment and records, performing quality control and assurance activities, following biosafety and biosecurity practices, and entering, editing, and verifying laboratory results in the laboratory computer system. The role rotates to other sections or shifts as management determines necessary for workload and staffing needs. Various tours are available, including rotating weekends and holidays. The position is not eligible for telework and is not virtual.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The maximum award is $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years as determined by the program office. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply. Recruitment and relocation incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11.

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, or an applicable qualification under the stated grandfathering provision for current VHA employees.
• Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT, or as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT; qualifying non-certified applicants may be considered under the stated exception and must work toward certification.
• Applicants with foreign education must meet the stated equivalency requirements; qualifying foreign graduates must provide an acceptable credential evaluation or an ASCP BOC or AMT eligibility letter.
• GS-07: no experience beyond the basic requirements.
• 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; must demonstrate the listed knowledge and abilities in laboratory testing policies and procedures, quality control and assurance, equipment maintenance, teamwork, instruction interpretation, and testing phases.
• 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; must demonstrate the listed clinical laboratory science, quality, informatics, instrumentation, technical judgment, communication, and instruction-interpretation knowledge and abilities.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use, background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• The employee must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification of continued employment to remain employed after that period.
• Physical capabilities include intermittent moderate lifting of 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 possible prolonged stooping and kneeling. The role also requires basic color discrimination, specified near vision, reading and comprehending ordinary type and computer screens, hearing (aids permitted), working in constant noise and close to others, maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, emotional stability in stressful situations, and the ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced clinical laboratory procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Evaluate specimens for suitability, request replacement specimens when needed, and prepare specimens while preserving their physiologic properties.
• Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor test procedures; recognize deviations and instrument malfunctions and implement corrections.
• Maintain, calibrate, standardize, adjust, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment; make simple repairs.
• Conduct and document quality control and assurance procedures and corrective actions for equipment, reagents, products, and test performance.
• Evaluate the validity of test data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.
• Correlate quantitative results with patient information, including history and medications, and perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal results.
• Recognize abnormal results requiring immediate physician attention and report them directly.
• 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 other laboratory sections or shifts as management deems necessary based on workload and staffing requirements.
• Refer deviations from routine procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations to more experienced staff for assistance or a decision.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval; award amounts up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years may be authorized.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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