Clinical Laboratory Scientist

• 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.
• 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 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.

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 bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below for GS-11:
  • (a)Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • (b)Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.a.

a. Clinical Laboratory Scientist GS-07.
(1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) 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.

b. Clinical Laboratory Scientist GS-09.
(1) Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
(a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR
(b) Education. Masters degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
(2) Knowledge Skills and 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.
(3) Assignment. An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS. The CLS is responsible for evaluating performing interpreting and validating the accuracy and validity of 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. This includes routine testing quality control routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving. Deviations from regular procedures unanticipated problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance. Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level. It is expected that a CLS at this grade performs more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the entry level.

c. Clinical Laboratory Scientist GS-11.
(1) Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
(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.
(2) Knowledge Skills and 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
(3) Assignment. This is considered FPL for a 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 such as chemistry microbiology immunology hematology and immunohematology. 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 or 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.

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: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer manual dexterity visual acuity color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.