U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 15 hours ago
Clinical Lab Scientist
Cincinnati, OH
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
1+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist to perform a broad range of laboratory procedures. The role involves advanced laboratory testing, quality control, and problem-solving related to laboratory processes.
National DefenseGovernmentPublic SafetyHealthcareMedicalNational Security
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
Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions
Recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for their solution
Improves the efficiency and quality of a testing program
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
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 applying must meet one of the certification options below (This does not include GS-7): 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 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)
Grade Determinations: - GS-7 level Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
- GS-9 level 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: (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
- GS-11 level 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: (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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: While work is partially sedentary - there are demands for standing - walking - bending at times
Benefits
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Charles Worthington
Chief Technology Officer
Helga Rippen
Chief Interoperability and Veteran Access Officer
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