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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 1 day ago

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology)

West Haven, CT

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$69K/yr - $133K/yr

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology) to work in the Microbiology Lab of the Pathology and Laboratory Service at the VA Medical Center. The role involves developing, performing, evaluating, interpreting, and validating laboratory procedures and results while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

The GS-11 is considered FPL for a CLS

A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory

Qualification

Microbiology certificationLaboratory quality controlLaboratory equipment maintenanceClinical laboratory scienceAnalytical skillsTeam collaborationWritten communication

Required

Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)

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

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 in Microbiology

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

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: 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 The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination

Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed

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)

Experience: None beyond the basic requirements for GS-0644-7

Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07) for GS-0644-9

Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science for GS-0644-9

Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-0644-11

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 for GS-0644-11

Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing

Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance

Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments

Ability to read and interpret written instructions

Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of testing

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

Previous Microbiology experience

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off 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 for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)