Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist

****THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT****

This is an open continuous announcement until September 30 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Positions will be within the Pathology and Laboratory service at the East Orange Campus.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

This position serves as an Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the East Orange VA part of the New Jersey VA Health Care System. The incumbent functions as a generalist and rotates through multiple laboratory sections including Blood Bank Hematology Chemistry Coagulation Microbiology/Molecular Serology Special Chemistry Urinalysis and reference testing. On an as needed basis.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Performing a broad range of routine and complex laboratory procedures.
• Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles using a comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles practices concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.
• Performs testing by being able to interpret and apply complex written instructions.
• Organizing workload prioritizing urgent and routine tests and meeting turnaround requirements.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintaining and documenting optimal instrument performance; performing calibrations troubleshooting repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Uses calibrates identifies malfunctions repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and troubleshoots deviations to maintain optimal operating conditions and accuracy of test results.
• Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Identifies discrepancies solves problems and presents solutions for testing platforms quality control or patient results that deviate from expected performance.
• 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 findings and 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.
• Adhering to biosafety biosecurity and infection prevention regulations.
• Communicating effectively as part of the healthcare team.
• Performing other related 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 evaluation.
• 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f).
• Education: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below:
  • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
    • Note: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including Ancillary Testing Coordinator Education Coordinator Laboratory Information Manager Quality Manager Laboratory Manager Regional Technical Specialist National Quality and Compliance Agent Regional Program Manager Regional Director Laboratory Director or National Quality and Compliance Officer).

• Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.
• 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).
• Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
• Non-Certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
• Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond two (2) years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.

• Experience.1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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.

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