Clinical Laboratory Scientist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

**The cut off for the first applicant list is September 10 - 2025 with subsequent applicant lists sent as needed until vacancies are filled**

• 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: Per VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 3 - Section A - Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. - chapter 73 or 74 - to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English
• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Foreign Education
• To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
• Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: (1) Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency - and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program
• OR (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
• NOTE: Possession of a certification identified below automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
• Certification
• Candidates must meet one of the following 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
• 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)
• GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Grade Determinations: Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: 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
• GS-11 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The following KSAs In addition to the experience or education above are required at the GS-11 grade level for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist: 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: One year as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Formally Medical Technologist) Generalist
• Generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist - trained and experienced in multiple disciplines including Chemistry - Hematology/coagulation - Blood Bank - Urinalysis - referral testing - Microbiology/Molecular testing
• Analyze blood - body fluids - tissue and other biological specimens
• Perform pre-patient testing maintenance - QC - testing - result interpretation - recognize normal - abnormal and critical results and urgency to notify provider
• Follow SOP - ability to train CLS students and new hires
• Follow Quality Management and Safety guidelines
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs. - straight pulling - pushing - reaching above the shoulder - use of fingers and both hands - walking - standing for up to 4 hours - kneeling - repeated bending - use of both arms and legs
• Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes - depth perception - ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors - hearing (aids permitted) - clear - high cognitive function and emotional stability
• ability to read ordinary type without strain.

• ****THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT**** This is an open continuous announcement until December 31st - 2025
• Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available
• This position serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist within the VA New Jersey Healthcare System Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service
• The incumbent functions as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (formerly Medical Technologist) and is required to rotate within the clinical laboratory departments (Blood Bank - hematology - Chemistry - Coagulation - Microbiology/Molecular - Molecular - Serology - Special Chemistry and 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
• Order duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: 12AM-8AM -Midnight Tour - Monday-Friday
• rotating weekends and holidays
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 12242F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact ... and ... the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized