Job Details

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) Authorized: This position is eligible for EDRP, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of your start date. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Responsibilities: The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as microbiology, molecular biology, immunohematology and send outs. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.
• In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Receive biological specimens and scan them into Specimen Tracking Log.
• Record daily temperature of equipment and notify supervisor, team leader or designee when the temperature is not in range.
• Investigate unacceptable Proficiency Testing results and document finding and corrective actions.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Notifies Supervisor or team on repair progress.
• Alert the team leader, supervisor, or designee verbally and in writing when deviations in test performance are observed.
• Performs and documents maintenance, quality control activities and corrective actions related to test performance using Levy-Jennings statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Perform weekly checks for eye wash and safety showers.
• Participate in the monthly safety inspection of the department.
• Maintains professional currency through formal education and professional training.
• Maintains testing proficiency as defined on sectional competency checklist.
• Complete annual facility educational requirements.
• Perform charge duties in the absence of supervisory personnel.
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results.
• Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Performs validation/method verification studies for new system.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.

Work Schedule: Full Time, 6:00am- 2:30pm, M-F, rotating weekends and holidays.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Authorized. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact ...@va.gov for questions/assistance.

Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements Conditions of Employment: You 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.

You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Acceptable form(s) 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).

Qualifications: Applicants 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 Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f).
• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
• (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
• (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
• (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
• Exception for Non-Certified:
• (a)Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 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 Agency.
• (b)Non-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).
• (c)Non-certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
• (d)Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
• (e)Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
• Failure to Obtain Certification: In all cases, CLSs must actively work to meet requirements for certification starting from the date of their placement into the occupation. At the time of appointment, the Human Resources(HR) Office staff, in collaboration with the supervisor, will provide the employee with the written requirements for certification, including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment.
• Loss of Credential: If an employee fails to maintain the required certification, management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately remove the employee from duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation. This may also result in separation from employment.
• 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).
• Grade Determinations:
• In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.