Clinical Lab Scientist-Laboratory Safety Officer

Department of Veterans Affairs
Miami, Florida
Full Time

Email Address

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Summary

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. Program 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.

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Overview

Accepting applications
Open & closing dates

06/13/2025 to 09/30/2025

This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Salary

$94,410 - $122,727 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 11

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Miami, FL 1 vacancy
Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)
0644 Clinical Laboratory Science
Supervisory status

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

Yes

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing
Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Yes

Announcement number

CBTC-12737139-25-TE

Control number

838771800

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This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL US Citizens, including ALL Federal employees, Department of Veterans Affairs (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA) Employees; and Miami VA Healthcare System (Facility) Employees. Facility Employees will have FIRST consideration. Other VA employees SECOND consideration. THIRD consideration for federal employees followed by all US Citizens.

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Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) will serve as a Technical Specialist for the Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC) and a backup for the Quality Management Performance Improvement (QMPI) for the Miami VA Healthcare System Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) which is a large diversified clinical and anatomical pathology laboratory. The CLS maintains all certifications required of a clinical laboratory scientist. Applies knowledge of compliance requirements for laboratory functions. In addition to the required core competencies, must demonstrate the following.

This Technical Specialist will serve as the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service Safety Officer. As such, must have knowledge of federal, VHA, and accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements and procedures to accommodate resource allocation decisions made at the executive level.

The CLS Laboratory Safety Officer will be able to cross train and maintain competency in other areas of the laboratory to cover as need be.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Safety

Develops and recommends safety policy and procedures applicable to the laboratory.
Responsible for the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) that defines the safety procedures for all hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory.
Follows OSHA regulations to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.
Develops and review infections control policies and procedures (VA policies and OSHA Standard on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens)
Instructs personnel in the proper use of personal protective clothing/equipment (e.g., gloves, gowns, masks, eye protectors, etc.).

B. Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ACT) Assistant

Under direction from the Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC), the Technical Specialist serves as an assistant to perform ancillary testing oversight duties that comply with the policies, procedures, and accreditation documentation and monitoring requirements of the Ancillary Testing Quality Management Program.
The Technical Specialist works with the ATC in assuring that all the ancillary testing sites meet the standards for accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and The Joint Commission.
The Technical Specialist assesses data and data collection procedures, identifies quality monitors and indicators, and reviews all data analyzed with the ATC.
The Technical Specialist monitors the collection and preparation of biological specimens for the various procedures performed in the ancillary testing sites and the suitability of the specimen type for analysis on the instruments in the ancillary testing sites.
Under the direction of the ATC, the Technical Specialist documents the training, authorization, and annual competency evaluation of all healthcare personnel who perform ancillary testing.

C. Quality Management Process Improvement (QMPI) Assistant

Under the direction of QMPI clinical laboratory scientist, gathers analytical data with analysis to comply with all hospital accreditation agencies.
Serves as backup for the Service Recall Coordinator (SRC) for P&LMS. Receives recalls, alerts and advisory notifications/emails, replies, records notification and action send them to respective supervisor to be timely addressed.
Be able to investigate any Joint Patient Safety Record (JPSR) and answer facilities Quality, Safety and Value Service on a timely manner.
Reviews monthly Quality Control summary reports and [resents it to the Chief of P&LMS to detect possible shifts or trends of QC results and equipment failure. Initiates corrective action as needed.
Calibrates and keeps records of all the thermometers used in the Laboratory and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's). Verify reference stopwatch on a monthly basis

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager or Chief, P&LMS.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4pm

Telework: Not authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD31856F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact ..., the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
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).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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:

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

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

Education -Transcripts Submitted:

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Certification-Documentation Supplied - 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.

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). REFERENCE: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644

Grade Determinations:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11:

(1) Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:

(a) Experience- (SF-50 Submitted- if applicable). 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(b) Education-Transcript Supplied. 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 Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

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.

(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 methods. In 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.

Preferred Experience: Prior Safety Officer and Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist) Experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644

The full performance level of this vacancy is 11 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping), walking, frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear high cognitive functional and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applicants will be July 10, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 10th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until the position(s) are filled.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
All other VA employees.
Other federal employees
All other applicants.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Benefits

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Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
PCS Orders
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click .

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Thomas Ellis

Phone ... X141007 Email ...

Address Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1201 Northwest 16th Street

Miami, FL 33125

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability
New employee probationary period
Privacy Act
Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service
Signature and false statements
Social security number request

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
PCS Orders
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

How to Apply

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Thomas Ellis

Phone ... X141007 Email ...

Address Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1201 Northwest 16th Street

Miami, FL 33125

Next steps

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.