Clinical Lab Scientist

SummaryThe Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for evaluating - performing - interpreting - and validating the accuracy and validity of laboratory procedures and test results. The CLS demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods.QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducationA bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or universityCertificationCandidates must meet one of the certification options belowGeneralist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMTGeneralist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMTCategorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMTException for Non-CertifiedApplicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 4 the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification AgencyNon-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C.7405(c)(2)Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPLNon-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtainedTemporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointmentMay 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)Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-07ExperienceNone beyond the basic requirementsAssignmentEmployee at this level serves in a CLS entry-level positionIt is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervisionClinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09Experience1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower gradeExamples of Specialized experience include but are not limited to: evaluating - performing - interpreting - and validating the accuracy and validity of test resultsPerforming testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methodsThis includes routine testing - quality control - routine maintenance of instrumentation - and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solvingOR EducationMaster's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related scienceClinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11Experience1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade levelExamples of specialized experience includes but is not limited to: developing - performing - evaluating - interpreting - correlating - and validating the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirementsThe work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry - microbiology - immunology - hematology - and immunohematologyOR EducationMust 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 scienceReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019Preferred Experience: ASCP CertifiedDutiesThe Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other Full Performance Level (FPL) employees on a regular basis throughout all Laboratory areasThe incumbent also works off-hour shifts - weekends - and holidaysThe duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Major duties and responsibilities include: Selects - performs - evaluates - and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual techniques and/or instrumentation in accordance with established protocolsPerforms advanced and complex laboratory proceduresRecognizes deviation from expected results - reacts to indicators of malfunction - analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principlesEvaluates the suitability of specimens for analysis and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysisPrepares specimens for analysis - taking into account physiologic processes and requirementsPerforms quality control and assurance activities and documents corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvementMaintains and documents the optimal functioning of the laboratory equipmentUses - calibrates - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs maintenance on laboratory instrumentsVerifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoringIdentifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairsConducts quality control procedures on equipment - reagents - and products and maintains proper records for quality control reportsAdheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplaceEvaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay proceduresCorrelates quantitative data with patient data (e.gprevious results) to verify resultsRecognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physicianPerforms repeat and/or reflexive tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports them directlyResponsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory information systemResponsible for the accurate verification and/or editing of the results enteredIncorporates principles of medical technology when assisting with the instruction and training of new employees and studentsOrganizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlinesDemonstrates computer skills locating information and orders - generating labels - and entering resultsCommunicates critical values to the provider according to policyWorks as a team member to effectively complete assignmentsAbility to read and interpret written instructionsAbility to accurately perform pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of testingIdentifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutionsAnswers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors that influence test resultsPerforms other duties as needed VA Careers - Clinical Laboratory Scientist: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELoTotal-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement programYou must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointmentProgram Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP applicationFormer EDRP participants ineligible to applyWork Schedule: Full-Time Monday - Friday 3:00pm -11:00pm - with rotating weekendsCompressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 460-05556-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Drug Testing: Required