U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 8 hours ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Big Spring, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
1+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform test procedures on biological specimens and environmental samples. The role involves carrying out laboratory operations, evaluating and interpreting test results, and maintaining laboratory equipment while adhering to regulatory requirements.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs test procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques - which require a broad exercise of independent judgement and responsibility with minimal technical supervision
The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry - microbiology - immunology - hematology - and immunohematology
The CLS carries out day-to-day operations in the laboratory
The CLS assesses a situation - considers the options - and formulates an appropriate course of action
The CLS develops - performs - evaluates - interprets - correlates - and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with regulatory requirements
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic - analytic - and post-analytic processes
In addition - performs phlebotomy procedures as well as 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 bio-security in the workplace
Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions
Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states - determines the validity of test results - and the need for additional tests
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
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
English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
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
You must submit a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating that you are eligible to take the certification examination
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, (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification (related to this position) 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 below that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency
Education and Experience: 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 (for example - chemistry - biochemistry - biology - microbiology - immunology - etc.) AND Clinical Practice and Experience: Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program within the last 5 years
Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must be accredited by the NAACLS - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP - formerly CAHEA) - or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Education - Certification - and Experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one course in microbiology) - 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) - and one course in mathematics AND Certification: Valid Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification by the ASCP BOC - ASCP BOR - or AMT - AND Experience: 1 year of post-MLT certification clinical laboratory experience within the last 3 years
Experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing (as categorized by the FDA) in a clinical laboratory
Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one course in microbiology) - 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) - and one course in mathematics AND Experience: 4 years of clinical laboratory experience within the last nine years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood bank - chemistry - hematology - microbiology - immunology - and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience that matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory
Education - Military Training: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry - which may be obtained within or in addition to - the bachelor's degree AND Military Education: Completion of a 50-week U.S. Military MLT training program (with official certificate verifying completion of training) within the last 10 years AND Experience: 1 year full-time clinical laboratory experience within the last 10 years
Experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking - chemistry - hematology - microbiology - immunology - and urinalysis/body fluids (or categorical experience that matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory
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)
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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