Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Health Administration • Lexington, KY

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides day-to-day administrative and technical supervision for a national reference laboratory performing highly complex serologic testing. The laboratory provides specialized services to more than 100 VA Medical Centers nationwide. The position monitors test analyses and specimen examinations, ensures performance meets established specifications, and initiates corrective action when needed. It also oversees staff orientation, training, and competency assessment; quality assurance and quality management activities; and standardization of laboratory procedures, supplies, and equipment practices.

The position performs the full range of supervisory responsibilities, including planning and assigning work, adjusting staffing or procedures, advising and counseling employees, evaluating subordinate work, and recommending appointments and other personnel actions. It manages the budget and funding control point for the Special Reference Laboratory section, works with administrative and clinical personnel, and exercises significant independent decision-making authority. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position is onsite; telework and virtual work are not available. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility and approval.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Meet one of the listed certification options: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or relevant categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. Categorical or specialist certification must be applicable to the laboratory section or assignment.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-13 assignments.
• For the supervisory assignment, meet at least three of the five listed laboratory conditions and supervise at least one GS-12 staff member; the applicable supervisory duties must be performed at least 25% of the time.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, laboratory accreditation, and regulatory requirements sufficient to develop policies and guidelines and evaluate operations.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management principles and procedures sufficient to establish and monitor quality programs and/or staff education and training.
• Interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, including work assignment, performance evaluation, staff selection, and recommendations regarding awards, advancement, and discipline.
• Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and implement solutions for efficient laboratory operations.
• Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer an allocated budget.
• Ability to set short- and long-term goals and conduct studies of technical and administrative issues, including personnel shortages, organizational structure, and new technology.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must complete required background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, onboarding and application requirements; applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Must comply with the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program and applicable Selective Service registration requirement.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule ongoing work; adjust staffing levels or work procedures to meet goals and resource allocation decisions.
• Select methods for achieving work goals, objectives, and management strategies.
• Supervise day-to-day highly complex test performance in a national reference laboratory conducting serologic testing.
• Monitor test analyses and specimen examinations and ensure performance meets established specifications; initiate corrective action when performance deviates.
• Ensure orientation, training, and competency assessment of staff.
• Assist the Service Chief, Section Director, and Lab Manager in designing and establishing quality assurance programs and measures.
• Support training in the care, calibration, standardization, and use of laboratory equipment; participate in proficiency testing; implement and monitor quality management activities; and standardize procedures for managing supplies and equipment.
• Perform the full range of supervisory duties, including recommending appointments, planning and assigning work, advising and counseling employees, and evaluating subordinate work.
• Manage, maintain, and balance the Special Reference Laboratory section's separate funding control point (CP 029), including budget execution.
• Develop and update technical policies and procedure manuals, manage document control, and develop performance standards, position descriptions, and functional statements.
• Ensure staff and affiliate staff comply with accrediting and regulatory requirements; establish and monitor quality of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes.
• Plan and execute performance and quality improvement projects.
• Interact with administrative and clinical personnel, maintain interdisciplinary and interprofessional relations, and exercise independent decision-making authority.
• Perform other duties deemed necessary by the supervisor in the best interest of patient care.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with a potential award of up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position status and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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