U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 1 day ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
San Antonio, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$55K/yr - $107K/yr
3+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to develop, perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate laboratory procedures and results. The role involves working in various laboratory disciplines and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining optimal laboratory operations.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation
Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
Recognizes deviation from expected results
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering 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 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 presents 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 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
Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
Qualification
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
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
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
Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f)
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-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
GS-09 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 - OR 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: 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
GS-11 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
In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
Minimum 3 years experience as a Generalist
Minimum 2 years Blood Bank experience
General knowledge in performing validations
ASCP or AMT Certification
Benefits
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)
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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