Clinical Laboratory Scientist

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. Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) 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.

• 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 bachelor's 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)
• Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11 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 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
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience of education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA's: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
• Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
• Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
• Preferred Experience: 2 years previous Generalist Laboratory experience to include Chemistry - Hematology - Coagulation - Urinalysis and Molecular Microbiology
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit 0644-ClinicalLaboratoryScientistformerlytitledMedicalTechnologist.pdf The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION - YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** This position serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) within the Finger Lakes VA Healthcare System Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS)
• The incumbent functions as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (formerly Medical Technologist) and is required to rotate within the clinical laboratory departments (chemistry - molecular biology - coagulation - hematology - immunology - serology - urinalysis - and reference lab testing - etc.) on an as needed basis
• The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist include but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation
• 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
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines of routine and urgent testing
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis - taking into account 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 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 laboratory's in-service/continuing education program
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety - biosecurity - and infection prevention in the workplace
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Work Schedule: Day shift (0630-1500 - 0700-1530 - 0800-1630) weekends - holidays and evening rotations as needed
• Compressed Schedule: Available at the discretion of the department
• EDRP Authorized: Contact - Roseann Pomaranski - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at ...
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 11914-F