Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

Veterans Health Administration • New Orleans, LA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology performs the full range of microbiology, molecular microbiology, and bacteriology testing associated with a clinical microbiology laboratory. The position also performs viral load and COVID-19 testing on available platforms, along with other laboratory testing as needed, including tests commonly performed outside microbiology. These include serology, fecal occult blood testing (FIT), serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), synovial fluid crystal identification, rapid plasma reagin (RPR), and other syphilis testing. Unusual results are reported to the Section Supervisor and Infection Control as needed.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays as needed for clinical coverage. The schedule may change based on facility needs. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-07 through GS-11. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and application review. Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

The position is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and normal safety precautions. The environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, and may involve managing several tasks at once in stressful situations. Physical activities may include standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. Personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing may be required.

Applicants must meet the applicable education and certification requirements, or qualify under the stated exception for non-certified applicants. The vacancy requires ASCP or AMT certification and at least two years of medical technologist experience as preferred experience; the ideal applicant has a stable work history and at least three continuous years working independently on an evening or overnight shift in a core laboratory covering Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Blood Bank.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Meet an accepted certification option: MLS generalist certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; MT generalist certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or applicable categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. The posting provides an exception and routes for eligible non-certified applicants.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the applicable grade-level qualifications: GS-07 requires no experience beyond the basic requirements; GS-09 requires one year of creditable experience at 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; GS-11 requires one year of creditable experience at 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-09, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures, quality control and quality assurance, laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; teamwork and assignment completion; ability to interpret written instructions; and ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases.
• For GS-11, demonstrate knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; informatics, laboratory data flow, and processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; independent technical judgment in analyzing and interpreting results; ability to apply complex written instructions; and ability to communicate and interact with healthcare team members, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
• Complete required pre-employment processes, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, required drug screening for testing-designated positions, onboarding and identification requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• ASCP or AMT certification and at least two years of experience working as a Medical Technologist are stated as preferred experience.
• A demonstrated history of job stability.
• At least three continuous years of independent evening- or overnight-shift work in a core laboratory, including Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Blood Bank.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology, molecular microbiology, and bacteriology testing in a clinical microbiology laboratory.
• Perform viral load testing and COVID-19 testing on available platforms.
• Perform other laboratory testing as needed, including serology, FIT, SPE, ANA, RF, synovial fluid crystal identification, RPR, and other syphilis testing.
• Report unusual results to the Section Supervisor and Infection Control as needed.
• Provide clinical coverage on a schedule that includes rotating weekends and holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval, with awards up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years.
• 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 experience, subject to 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 family income and other eligibility conditions; subsidy may cover up to 25% of eligible costs, up to the stated monthly maximum.
• 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.
• Regular salary increases.

What This Job Offers

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