Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Shreveport, LA

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist manages operations in an assigned laboratory specialty area, including records and reporting, testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance. The role provides expert consultation on complex or emerging tests, advises clinical and organizational staff on test selection and interpretation, and addresses testing issues where no direct precedent exists. It also supports quality assurance, research, statistical analysis, staff development, and the evaluation and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on facility needs. It is not virtual, and telework is not available. The work takes place in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and normal safety precautions, but may involve handling 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• One of the following certifications: MLS generalist certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; MT generalist certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-12 assignments.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of medical technology applicable to diverse clinical laboratory duties and complex problems.
• Skill in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve complex problems.
• 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 testing, specimen requirements, and results.
• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected, urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Must meet background and security investigation requirements, complete onboarding, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Foreign education used to meet requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to qualifying U.S. education, or accompanied by a qualifying ASCP BOC or AMT eligibility letter as specified in the posting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with laboratory analyzer operation, maintenance, quality control, and troubleshooting.
• Hematology and blood bank experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate team or unit processes with team members and management to align tasks, priorities, goals, and achievements.
• Assist with preparing section schedules.
• Manage all aspects of operations in the assigned specialty area, including records and reports, testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance.
• Serve as a liaison between the laboratory specialty and other medical center departments.
• Provide authoritative advice and consultation on difficult, complex, unique, or emerging tests.
• Advise organizational staff on specialized testing, including test appropriateness, clinical context, test usefulness, and alternate testing options.
• Identify, define, and resolve complex or unique testing and data issues when no direct precedent exists.
• Maintain process control through a multifaceted quality assurance program.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, provide administrative information, and present work-related information to the supervisor.
• Research qualitative and quantitative methods in the appropriate laboratory specialty area.
• Perform statistical analyses of quality control, quality assurance monitoring, and research data.
• Identify training needs and provide appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Maintain current instrumentation and evaluate new developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation.
• Ensure compliance with requirements of regulatory agencies, including CAP, JCAHO, AABB, and OSHA.
• Coordinate quality control activities with the supervisor and coordinate the department's proficiency program.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, 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 may receive a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family income, eligible childcare costs, and a monthly maximum.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan reimbursement may be available to eligible applicants, with approval and award amounts determined after application review.

What This Job Offers

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