Summary

The incumbent serves as a generalist in clinical laboratory science with responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of Chemistry - Hematology/Coagulation - Urinalysis - Immunohematology - and Microbiology. The generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas. He/She also works off-hour shifts - weekends - and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Education
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• 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 (e.g. - laboratory sciences such as chemistry - biochemistry - biology - microbiology - immunology - etc.)
• 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
• Grade Determinations for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11: 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
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• 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.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory occupation
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement
• Calibrates - standardizes - adjusts and maintains instruments
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
• Follows established guidelines for performance of all testing to include proficiency testing
• Communicates effectively and courteously with medical center staff (health professionals and administrative staff) - outside facilities and patients in a professional manner
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 7am - 3:30pm
• Rotating weekends and holidays
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• 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) Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized