Clinical Laboratory Scientist
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Job Location:
Big Spring, TX - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 62153 - 106043
Posted on:
16 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (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 appointment. Program Approval award amount (up to $200000) 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.
VA Careers - Microbiology/Molecular Medical Technologist: Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs test procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques which require a broad exercise of independent judgement and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry microbiology immunology hematology and immunohematology. The position is in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) Big Spring Texas.
The CLS:
- Carries out day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS assesses a situation considers the options and formulates an appropriate course of action. The CLS develops performs evaluates interprets correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with regulatory requirements.
- Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic analytic and post-analytic addition performs phlebotomy procedures as well as 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 considering physiologic processes and requirements.
- 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.
- Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
- Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and bio-security in the workplace.
- Identifies discrepancies solves problems and presents solutions.
- Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states determines the validity of test results and the need for additional tests.
- 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 finding sand makes recommendations.
- Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratorys in- service/continuing education program.
Duties are continued in the Additional Information section.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 12:30pm to 9:00 pm One Saturday rotated shift 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator at for questions/assistance. Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave 13 days of sick leave 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth adoption or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment full time employees with a total family income below $144000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
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 Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53419-F: GSF: GSF: GS-11
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.
- 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
Health Profession Trainees (HPTs) pending completion of education and certification requirements may be referred pending completion.
All applicants pending the completion of certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected at the GS-7 level. These requirements must be met within 2 years of appointment.
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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Education. A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Foreign Education. To be creditable education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:
- Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program.
- Eligible to take the certification examination. You must submit a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating that you are eligible to take the certification examination.
(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 (related to this position) by ASCP or AMT.
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 (related to this position) 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 4 the routes below that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.
#1: Education and Experience
- Education: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science medical technology clinical laboratory science or in a related science (for example chemistry biochemistry biology microbiology immunology etc.) AND
- Clinical Practice and Experience: Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program within the last 5 years. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must be accredited by the NAACLS Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP formerly CAHEA) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a 4-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree.
- Education: A bachelors degree from an accredited college/university including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one course in microbiology) 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry*) and one course in mathematics AND
- Certification: Valid Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification by the ASCP BOC ASCP BOR or AMT AND
- Experience: 1 year of post-MLT certification clinical laboratory experience within the last 3 years. This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing (as categorized by the FDA) in a clinical laboratory. Research laboratory experience does not fulfill this requirement
- Education: A bachelors degree from an accredited college/university including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one course in microbiology) 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry*) and one course in mathematics AND
- Experience: 4 years of clinical laboratory experience within the last nine years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood bank chemistry hematology microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience that matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory.
- Education: A bachelors degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry which may be obtained within or in addition to the bachelors degree AND
- Military Education: Completion of a 50-week U.S. Military MLT training program (with official certificate verifying completion of training) within the last 10 years AND
- Experience: 1 year full-time clinical laboratory experience within the last 10 years. This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking chemistry hematology microbiology immunology and urinalysis/body fluids (or categorical experience that matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Research laboratory experience does not fulfill this requirement.
(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.
Qualification are continued in the Education Section of this announcement.
Education
Qualification Continued:
Grade Determinations:
Clinical Laboratory Scientist GS-07.
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist GS-09.
Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Reference: GS-7 Assignment: Employees 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.
OR
Education. Masters degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
(c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
(d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
(f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical analytical and post-analytical phases of testing.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist GS-11.
Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. To be equivalent to the GS-9 level experience must also have been gained while having a Certification as mentioned in the Qualification Section.
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.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles practices concepts and theories that support sound independent work.
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
(c) Skill in informatics laboratory data flow and laboratory processes.
(d) Ability to maintain troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
(e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
(f) Ability to read interpret and apply complex written instructions.
(g) Ability to communicate consult and interact with other members of the health care team external relations customer service and patient education
Preferred Experience:
- Medical Technologist or equivalent certification
- Two years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as a Generalist
- ASCP Certification
- ASCP Certification in a clinical laboratory specialty: SM (ASCP) SC (ASCP) SH (ASCP) SMB (ASCP)
- One year of experience as a Medical Technologist in a Federal medical facility
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit 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-07 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements:
- Physical aspects associated with the work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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: 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: NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science - Find a Program
ABHES: Directory of Institutions ABHES
CAAHEP (formerly CAHEA): CAAHEP Find An Accredited Program
NOTE: If your school has changed names or is no longer in existence you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by a body recognized by the US Dept. of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the US Dept. of Education website you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or 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 applicants 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.
Duties Continued:
- 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.
- Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal technical supervision.
- Participates in proficiency testing programs.
- 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 or proficiency/survey program.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- Immunoassays
- Machine Learning
- Biochemistry
- Assays
- Research Experience
- Spectroscopy
- Research & Development
- cGMP
- Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Data Analysis Skills
