Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) communicates the organizations strategic plan mission vision and values. The Lead CLS identifies distributes balances work coaches and facilitates with problem solving methods. The Lead CLS prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple informal complaints; reports performance progress and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions reassignment recognition of outstanding performance and personnel needs. The Lead CLS is responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including assignment of work responsibilities workload management and completion of assignments for staff at or above the FPL as well as preparation and maintenance of records and reports analysis of testing methodologies training instrumentation and compliance. The Lead CLS may act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Duties may include but are not limited to orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs coordinating daily activity of the lab section(s) writing or modifying technical procedures providing technical instruction ensuring that policies procedures and regulatory requirements are followed advising on course of action to follow when results or samples obtained are unacceptable and coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities.

Major Duties:

• Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult complex unique and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. Examples are but not limited to molecular/DNA testing bone marrow examination genetic testing and flow cytometry.
• Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation.
• Designs workflow to accomplish objectives in the clinical specialty area.
• Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses.
• Identifies training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed.
• Identifies defines and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists.
• Accepts referrals of abnormal or unusual results observations problems or issues from laboratory personnel of a technical or administrative nature and provides advice on course of action to be taken as well as monitors progress until problem/issue has been resolved.
• Conducts on-going reviews of work performed workflow equipment maintenance etc. within the various sections of P&LM that are under his/her direction.
• Plans develops modifies implements and coordinates quality control and preventive maintenance programs within P&LM to ensure that acceptable accreditation program requirements are being met.
• Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation.
• Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing.
• Applies laws policies precedents regulatory licensing and accrediting requirements to establish monitor and maintain the specialized testing.
• Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple informal complaints; reports performance progress and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions reassignment recognition of outstanding performance and personnel needs.
• Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Medical Technology students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NMCLS-accredited CLS Program.

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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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.

• 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.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f).
• Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED):
  • A bachelors 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.

• Experience:
  • In addition to meeting the basic requirements you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) which is directly related to the position to be filled.
• Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
  • Skill to maintain troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.
  • Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
  • 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 a wide variety of individuals including physicians nurses and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing specimen requirements and results.