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 position evaluates specimens and test results, resolves routine problems using scientific principles, maintains laboratory equipment, and performs quality control and assurance activities. It also generates, edits, and verifies laboratory results in the laboratory computer system and complies with applicable regulatory requirements.

Work schedule options are Monday–Friday, 1600–2400; 1600–0400 for three days; Monday–Friday, 2000–0400; or 2000–0800 for three days. All schedules include rotating weekends and holidays, with details discussed during the interview. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized for highly qualified individuals eligible at GS-7 and GS-9. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, subject to the stated education and foreign-education rules.
• Generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT, or generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; the announcement describes an exception pathway for eligible non-certified applicants to work toward certification.
• 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: knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures, laboratory quality control and assurance, and routine equipment 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 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: knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles and of quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement; skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret results; interpret complex written instructions; and communicate and interact with healthcare team members, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening, onboarding, identification, background/security investigation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period as required.
• Meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting and carrying, use of hands and fingers, walking, standing, bending, and the ability to distinguish colors, read ordinary type and computer screens, hear (with an aid permitted), work with others in constant noise, maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment, maintain emotional stability in stressful situations, and wear required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Highly qualified individuals eligible at GS-7 or GS-9 may be considered for relocation or recruitment incentives.
• Eligible applicants may receive consideration for Education Debt Reduction Program benefits, subject to application, eligibility, and program approval.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced clinical laboratory procedures and testing.
• Evaluate biological specimen collection and processing, specimen suitability, and specimen preparation for analysis.
• Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor test procedures using manual or instrumental techniques according to established protocols.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including calibration, standardization, adjustments, troubleshooting, simple repairs, and preventive maintenance.
• Perform and document quality control and assurance procedures, corrective actions, and performance monitoring.
• Verify instrument operation and diagnose deviations in test performance, including those caused by instrument malfunction.
• Evaluate test data validity and correlate quantitative results with patient data such as history and medications.
• Perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and report results requiring immediate physician attention.
• Generate laboratory results in the laboratory computer system and edit and verify recorded results.
• Maintain quality control records and comply with biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory requirements, including CAP and OSHA protocols.
• Rotate to another section or shift as management deems necessary based on workload and staffing.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan reimbursement may be available, up to $200,000, with eligibility period and award determined by the program office.
• Federal employee benefits package; the announcement does not specify individual benefits.
• 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