Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, MO

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Assistant LIM / Ancillary Testing Assistant position is located in the Pathology and Laboratory service line at Harry S Truman VA Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri. The role provides authoritative guidance on laboratory information systems (LIS), supports system validation and compliance, and assists with laboratory documentation and quality processes. It also provides consultative support for inventory management and contracting for clinical laboratory supplies and services, and trains and evaluates personnel performing ancillary testing.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is not virtual, and telework is unavailable. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval. The potential award is up to $200,000 over an eligibility period of one to five years. Applicants must submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet an eligible certification option: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. A qualifying grandfathering provision may apply to eligible current VHA employees in this occupation.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-12 assignments.
• Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties and to solving complex problems in clinical laboratory practice.
• Skill in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve complex or difficult situations.
• Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
• Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
• Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff on technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements, and results.
• Meet pre-employment screening and appointment conditions, including required background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, and urinalysis for applicants selected for testing-designated positions.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program, as required for VA health care personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Submit a complete EDRP application within four months of appointment to be considered for the program; eligibility and award approval are determined by the VHA program office.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: valid generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) from ASCP or AMT.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative advice and consultation about information systems as they apply to the clinical laboratory, including advising organizational levels on LIS functions and capabilities.
• Validate instrument interfaces and VBECS blood administration software updates, and assist in maintaining validation records required by accrediting agencies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to information systems and perform audits as needed.
• Consult with and train personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and assist with maintaining computer security keys.
• Assist with implementing and maintaining coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording in accordance with compliance principles.
• Analyze emerging trends, software, and technology and adopt appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.
• Assist with the P&LMS computerized Document Control System and TempTrak monitoring system.
• Scan, retrieve, and archive laboratory documents; revise SOPs; and assist with all aspects of MediaLab.
• Provide management with consultative services on inventory management and contracting for supplies and services in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Research clinical requirements across laboratory disciplines and obtain information from Technical Supervisors and Specialists to initiate, maintain, and monitor contract requirements that support safe and efficient laboratory operations.
• Provide technical guidance for laboratory sections; prepare statements of work, sole-source justifications, and independent government estimates; and conduct market research with Technical Supervisors to maintain uninterrupted supplies and services.
• Maintain contract documentation in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations and ensure contracted services and supplies meet laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Ensure contracts are audited and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Initiate documents for COR nomination and new laboratory contracts for supplies and services.
• Track contract funding and payments, follow up on audit discrepancies, and promptly inform the Laboratory Manager of unexpected changes in contracting needs or funding to help avoid ratifications.
• Train and evaluate the competency of physicians, nurses, residents, and other individuals in ancillary testing procedures and test-result reporting.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program with a potential award of up to $200,000 for eligible applicants, subject to program approval.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, up to 25% of eligible childcare costs and a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• 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.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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