Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (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. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until January 04, 2027. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 21, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional VHA Central California Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. Duties may include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care. 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. Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggest solutions. 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. Assists with instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. May be responsible for specific targeted laboratory projects including safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and 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. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Tour: 11:00pm-7:30am or 3:00pm - 11:30pm. Both shifts with rotating weekends & holidays Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible fo…

Qualifications

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. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.) Certification. (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) 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, English Language Proficiency. CLSs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005. Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11 Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:(a) 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 or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(a)Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.b)Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.(c)Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.(d)Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.(e)Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.(f)Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.(g)Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education Assignment. In addition, 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: One or more years' of experience in core lab, microbiology, and blood bank. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Th…

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.