Clinical Laboratory Scientist

This is considered full performance level (FPL) for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS). A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. 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 including but not limited to Hematology Chemistry lmmunohematology (Blood Bank) Microbiology Immunology Cytogenetics Anatomic Pathology Electron Microscopy Molecular Diagnostics and Flow Cytometry. A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical analytical and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated addition to routine testing the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states determines the validity of test results and the need for additional tests. Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer analyzer specialist primary operator on new test systems quality control specialist supply control and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment proficiency/survey program. This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing. These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The CLS assesses a situation considers the options and formulates an appropriate course of action. This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional courteous and effective manner.

Major Duties:
- Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training on the operation of new test systems.
- Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed.
- Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services.
- Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results.
- Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements.
- Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity interference sensitivity and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results.
- Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems.
- Monitors and maintains inventory including reagents calibrators quality control etc.
- Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient.
- Provides technical advice to staff and other health care members.
- 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 Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NMCLS-accredited CLS Program.

Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday- Friday; 7:00AM-3:30PM with rotating weekends and Holidays.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 06376F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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

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:

• 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: Must have at least one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9).

• Education. Must have three (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.

• Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles practices concepts and theories that support sound independent work.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
• Skill in informatics laboratory data flow and laboratory processes.
• Ability to maintain troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Ability to read interpret and apply complex written instructions.
• Ability to communicate consult and interact with other members of the health care team external relations customer service and patient education.