U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 8 hours ago
Clinical Lab Scientist
Wilmington, DE
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid, Senior Level
$68K/yr - $130K/yrThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating laboratory procedures and test results. The role involves performing testing procedures on various biological specimens using manual or automated methods while ensuring compliance with established protocols and quality control measures.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other Full Performance Level (FPL) employees on a regular basis throughout all Laboratory areas
The incumbent also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays
The duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Major duties and responsibilities include: Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual techniques and/or instrumentation in accordance with established protocols
Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
Recognizes deviation from expected results, reacts to indicators of malfunction, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Evaluates the suitability of specimens for analysis and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis
Prepares specimens for analysis, taking into account 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 the laboratory equipment
Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs maintenance on laboratory instruments
Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring
Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs
Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports
Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
Correlates quantitative data with patient data (e.g., previous results) to verify results
Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician
Performs repeat and/or reflexive tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports them directly
Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory information system
Responsible for the accurate verification and/or editing of the results entered
Incorporates principles of medical technology when assisting with the instruction and training of new employees and students
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
Demonstrates computer skills locating information and orders, generating labels, and entering results
Communicates critical values to the provider according to policy
Works as a team member to effectively complete assignments
Ability to read and interpret written instructions
Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions
Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors that influence test results
Performs other duties as needed VA Careers - Clinical Laboratory Scientist: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELoTotal-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment
Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application
Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply
Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 10:30pm -6:30am
Expected to work rotating Holidays Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 460-05556-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Drug Testing: Required
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
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, Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 4 the routes identified in Appendix A 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 provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL
Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
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)
None beyond the basic requirements for GS-07
1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade for GS-09
1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-11
The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Preferred
ASCP Certified
Benefits
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
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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