Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Miami, Florida
Full Time

Email Address

Apply Now

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.

Help

Overview

Accepting applications
Open & closing dates

07/10/2025 to 07/21/2025

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

Salary

$113,158 - $147,111 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 12

Help

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-12757911-25-TE

Control number

840428000

Help

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.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

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.

Videos

Help

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 Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist assists the supervisor in technical phases of the organizational level on various aspects of specialized and routine testing including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context. He/she facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities and goals are coordinated with management. He/she is assigned to the Day Shift and works weekends and holidays on a regular basis and as priorities demonstrate a need. Additionally, will serve as P&LMS time keeper on a rotational basis on weekends and holidays.

The duties and responsibilities of the Blood Bank Lead Medical Technologist include but are not limited to the following:

Duties/Tasks

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory scientist occupation in Blood Bank.
Work full time in the Transfusion Service Area, performs a broad range of Blood Bank procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory scientist occupation.
Evaluates and interprets the results to determine if the data obtained are complete and valid.
Performs Quality Control and Quality Assurance data collected to identify, document and take corrective action.
Prepares reagents, blood components, primary reference material, and controls: equipment preventive maintenance and troubleshooting if necessary, verifies correct instrument operation.
Monitors and screens all blood component orders for appropriateness, using established criteria and requiring an understanding of disease entities and or clinical transfusion situation.
Provides appropriate antigen negative blood components for infusion.
Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment In Blood Bank. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction in these same departments.
Assists the supervisor in developing analytical methods and quality control procedures for new tests as they are introduced to the Blood Bank Department.
Assists the supervisor in validating the new patches of the Blood Bank computer system.
Assists the supervisor in modifying existing procedures as testing requirements change.
Determines requirements for and evaluates statistical information to determine quality control parameters and establish acceptable ranges for each parameter.
Participates in quality assurance efforts by identifying quality improvement indicators for Blood Bank operations. Develops a system to monitor indicators so as to effectively identify problem and/or potential problem areas. Recommends and implements corrective actions when indicated so as to improve patient care efforts of the P&LMS.
Performs and reviews quality control procedures on Blood Bank instrumentation and testing reagents by designing and implementing check systems to insure accuracy of analytical systems.
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions for all testing performed.
Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results.
Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
In the absence of the Blood Bank supervisor, assigns, directs, and reviews the work of GS-9 clinical laboratory scientist assigned to the Blood Bank Department.
Prepares reports for the Blood Bank Supervisor and Administration concerning adverse events that occur on the shift.
Assists supervisor in gathering information to prepare monthly Quality Assurance and Monitoring reports.
The Supervisor remains responsible for all duties performed by the Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
The clinical laboratory scientist in the Blood Bank collects blood specimen and performs Therapeutic Phlebotomy.
Helps to cover the blood bank schedule.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4pm,rotating weekends and holidays

Telework: Not authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD30223F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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

Help

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).

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:

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12: Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:

Experience- (SF-50 Submitted- if applicable). 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for all GS-12 assignments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
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.

Assignment. For all lead assignments, the individual must spend at least 25% or more of their time performing lead duties over staff one grade level below. The Lead CLS communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values. The Lead CLS identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem solving methods. The Lead CLS prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs. The Lead CLS is responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty, including assignment of work responsibilities, workload management, and completion of assignments for staff at or above the FPL as well as preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance. The Lead CLS may act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Duties may include, but are not limited to, orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs, coordinating daily activity of the lab section(s), writing or modifying technical procedures, providing technical instruction, ensuring that policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are followed, advising on course of action to follow when results or samples obtained are unacceptable, and coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities.

Preferred Experience: Previous Blood Bank experience including Therapeutic Phlebotomy

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 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-12.

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.

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

Help

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.

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

Current permanent VA employees of the facility (Miami VA Health Care System).
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

Help

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:

Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
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 (VA)
License
Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
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 07/21/2025 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

Help

Required Documents

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

Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
Resume

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
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.