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

Clinical Lab Scientist- Laboratory

Butler, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$91K/yr - $118K/yr

1+ years exp

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist to evaluate and solve problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens. The role involves performing quality control activities, maintaining laboratory equipment, and communicating effectively as part of a healthcare team.

GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Evaluates and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis - considering physiologic processes and requirements

Performs quality control and assurance activities and documents corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement

Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment - including identifying malfunctions and performing repairs and preventive maintenance

Ability to diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction

Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions

Answers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors that influence test results

Interprets test results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures

Assists with evaluating and implementing new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods

Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace with immediate or general supervision

Participates in education for laboratory professionals

Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance

Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member - giving direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing

Functions in more complex targeted laboratory roles - responsibilities - or projects including by not limited to laboratory safety - quality management - quality improvement - analyzer operation - quality control - inventory control - laboratory competency assessment - proficiency testing - education - laboratory information management and/or ancillary testing - with minimal technical supervision

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

MLS certificationMT certificationLaboratory quality controlLaboratory informaticsInstrumentation maintenanceTechnical judgmentCommunication skillsProblem-solving skillsTeam collaboration

Required

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy

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

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

1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS-09 OR 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 (transcripts required)

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

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program

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 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)