Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates on a regular basis through the areas in which they have been trained and are competent. The incumbent also works weekends and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist includes but is not limited to:

• Performs a broad range of standard advanced and complex laboratory procedures recognizes deviations from expected results analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles and recognizes and communicates predefined critical results to appropriate staff.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens understands specimen requirements and accounts for physiologic processes that may affect specimen analysis.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and documents maintenance according to laboratory policies and procedures. Performs instrument calibrations and repairs provides preventive maintenance identifies instrument malfunctions and documents and resolves deviations of instrument performance.
• Performs and documents quality control and quality 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 biosecurity in the workplace.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP FDA NEO JC AABB and OSHA.
• Identifies discrepancies solves problems and suggests solutions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• 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 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).
• 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.

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 spoken and written English.
• 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 (e.g. laboratory sciences such as chemistry biochemistry biology microbiology immunology etc.).
• 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.

• 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:
  • (1) 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. OR
  • (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
    • NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in Certification above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.

• (a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR
• (b) 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.

• (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