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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 23 hours ago

Clinical Lab Scientist

Reno, NV

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist to maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, analyze and interpret laboratory results, and interact with healthcare team members. The role involves performing phlebotomy, processing specimens, and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards.

GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation

Use independent technical judgement to analyze and interpret laboratory results

Communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the healthcare team - external relations - customer service - and patient education

Greets / identifies patients

Secures and accessions appropriate laboratory orders and requests written follow-up / 'read back' for verbal orders from ordering personnel

Performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients

And labels specimen containers per accreditation agency standards / SOP

Utilizes available resources to independently resolve questions regarding specimen collection - handling - processing - and shipping requirements

Ensures phlebotomy supplies are adequate and re-stocked as necessary

Performs POC testing as needed and provides lab consultation for external POC testing resolution

Evaluates specimen suitability for analysis - requesting new specimen (or recollection) if necessary

Documents specimen rejections and corrective actions according to lab SOP

Logs in all acceptable specimens received into the appropriate accession areas during preanalytical phase of processing

Prepares specimens for analysis - ensuring that the physiologic state of specimen and correct identity of patient with sample is maintained (includes reference lab and surgical / pathology samples).Follows all applicable regulations when preparing specimens for commercial transport systems (DOT / IATA/USPS/Private courier/ VA Driver)

Maintains current knowledge of transportation regulations by participating in continuing education as available to ensure active certification for specimen shipping / transport

Assesses specimens for additional laboratory testing orders and performs additional lab testing as indicated

Assures that all specimens are processed in a timely and efficient manner with a minimum number of errors that require corrective action and/or follow up by other technologists

Prepares and handles reagents and reference materials (standards - calibrators - reagents - controls - survey samples) per the manufacturer's instructions

Performs testing in accordance with established laboratory SOP's

Utilizes section specific LIS programs to document testing actions performed

Reviews and inputs reference test results and incorporates appropriate clinical interpretive comments into the test result

Qualification

MLS certificationMT certificationLaboratory quality controlLaboratory equipment maintenanceMedical technology educationInformatics skillsAnalytical skillsTeamworkCommunication skillsProblem-solving skills

Required

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

Certification: 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 Exception for Non-Certified Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency

English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English

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)

Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09 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 OR (b) Education Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science

In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles (c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance (d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments (e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions (f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of testing

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 (b) 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

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

Physical Requirements: Work demands long hours standing and walking Bending - twisting - and carrying light items is necessary to carry out duties