Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist position will be located in St. James MO until this position will transfer to the Rolla Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rolla Missouri. Training for this position will occur at the Truman VA Hospital campus in Columbia MO until new facility is operational.

The duties for the Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist are but not limited to:

• Develops performs evaluates interprets correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in accordance with current laboratory regulatory accreditation and VA requirements.
• Performs testing in assigned laboratory specialties including chemistry microbiology immunology hematology and immunohematology using manual and automated methods.
• Performs and oversees pre-analytical analytical and post-analytical processes including specimen collection support specimen processing test performance result verification documentation and reporting.
• Coordinates daily laboratory operations at the Rolla CBOC and ensures continuity of services in collaboration with the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory.
• Provides day-to-day lead direction to two Clinical Laboratory Scientists and three phlebotomists. Identifies distributes balances and prioritizes work; monitors completion of assignments; coaches staff; and facilitates resolution
  of workflow and technical problems.
• Monitors quality-control systems quality-assurance measures instrument performance maintenance records proficiency-testing results turnaround time data workload data specimen-quality indicators and other assigned
  laboratory performance measures.
• Collects reviews trends documents and reports quality-control and laboratory performance-monitoring data to the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory in accordance with established reporting schedules laboratory policies and regulatory or accreditation requirements.
• Identifies quality or performance variances initiates or assists with corrective actions within delegated authority documents actions taken and promptly communicates significant deficiencies unresolved issues equipment failures testing interruptions and patient-safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor or technical representative at the main facility.
• Conducts quality control calibration verification as assigned routine
• Maintenance troubleshooting and minor repair of laboratory instrumentation.
• Coordinates service technical support and escalation with the Harry S.
• Performs work requiring broad independent technical judgment and responsibility including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision; assessing situations; considering available options; and taking appropriate action consistent with laboratory policy and scope of practice.
• Generates laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory information system and edits and verifies results in accordance with
  established procedures and authorization levels.
• Provides technical guidance to physicians nurses phlebotomy personnel and other clinical staff regarding testing capabilities specimen requirements collection procedures result interpretation critical-value communication and laboratory policies.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves routine informal complaints; reports performance progress behavioral concerns and training needs of the team; and provides information to the supervisor regarding recognition staffing reassignment and personnel needs.
• Assists the supervisor with writing or revising technical procedures; provides technical instruction; ensures policies procedures and regulatory requirements are followed; advises staff regarding unacceptable specimens or results; and coordinates or performs quality-control review and method verification activities.
• Works as a team member to provide backup support for administrative and operational tasks including timekeeping inventory maintenance result reporting and other duties needed to support continuity of laboratory
  operations.
• Communicates and supports the organizations strategic plan mission vision and values including effective coordination between the Rolla CBOC and the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday Full-Time
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f).

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: GS-12
Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
AND
Knowledge Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(a) Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
(b) Skill to maintain troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.
(c) Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
(d) Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
(e) Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
(f) Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians nurses and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing specimen requirements and results.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.