Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Bath, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) within the Finger Lakes VA Healthcare System Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS), Bath VAMC. The incumbent functions as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (formerly Medical Technologist) and is required to rotate within the clinical laboratory departments (chemistry, molecular biology, coagulation, hematology, immunology, serology, urinalysis, and reference lab testing, etc.) on an as needed basis. The Incumbent will also work off hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The incumbent also provides support throughout the clinical and patient care areas of the medical center involved with the PLMS. The incumbent performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. In addition, performs advanced moderate and high complexity laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles using a comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. Performs testing by being able to interpret and apply complex written instructions. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines for routine and urgent testing. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and perform preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and troubleshoots deviations to maintain optimal operating conditions and accuracy of test results. Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.).
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
• Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
• Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
• Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
• Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program.
• The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
• Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. Or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.
• Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
• Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
• Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

Nice To Haves

• 2 years of Laboratory Generalist Experience including Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis and Molecular Testing.
• ASCP or AMP Clinical Laboratory Certification.

Responsibilities

• Rotate within the clinical laboratory departments (chemistry, molecular biology, coagulation, hematology, immunology, serology, urinalysis, and reference lab testing, etc.) on an as needed basis.
• Work off hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.
• Provide support throughout the clinical and patient care areas of the medical center involved with the PLMS.
• Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation.
• Perform advanced moderate and high complexity laboratory procedures.
• Recognize deviation from expected results.
• Analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
• Interpret and apply complex written instructions.
• Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines for routine and urgent testing.
• Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements.
• Use, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and troubleshoot deviations to maintain optimal operating conditions and accuracy of test results.
• Use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Independently carry out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory.
• Develop, perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements.
• Conduct quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting.
• Correlate abnormal lab data with pathological states, determine the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests.
• Serve as laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program.
• Perform limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

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