Summary The 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. Responsibilities The Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other Full Performance Level (FPL) employees on a regular basis throughout all Laboratory areas. The incumbent also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays. The 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 protocols. Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures. Recognizes deviation from expected results, reacts to indicators of malfunction, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates the suitability of specimens for analysis and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis. Prepares specimens for analysis, taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Performs quality control and assurance activities and documents corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of the laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs maintenance on laboratory instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (e.g. previous results) to verify results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician. Performs repeat and/or reflexive tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports them directly. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory information system. Responsible for the accurate verification and/or editing of the results entered. Incorporates principles of medical technology when assisting with the instruction and training of new employees and students. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Demonstrates computer skills locating information and orders, generating labels, and entering results. Communicates critical values to the provider according to policy. Works as a team member to effectively complete assignments. Ability to read and interpret written instructions. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors that influence test results. Performs 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 program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program 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 application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 10:30pm -6:30am. Expected to work rotating Holidays Compressed/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 position. Functional Statement #: 460-05556-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Drug Testing: Required 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. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification. Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Exception for Non-Certified. Applicants 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 Agency. 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). Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL. Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. 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: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Employee at this level serves in a CLS entry-level position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervision. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09. Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Examples of Specialized experience include but are not limited to: evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. Performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods. This includes routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving. OR Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11. Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Examples 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 requirements. The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. OR Education. Must 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 science. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Preferred Experience: ASCP Certified Education IMPORTANT: A copy of your transcripts must be included with your application. You must provide transcripts that clearly list your major and graduation/conferred date; otherwise, you may be removed from consideration. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
