Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications:

*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until August 31, 2026 or until the position is filled. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be May 6, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. ***

Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:

1. 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. OR
2. The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is 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.

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 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. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment.

Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard (12/3/2024), are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, must meet one of the listed provisions in the VA Handbook.

Grade Determinations:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07.
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
4. Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
6. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

Assignments at the GS-9 level. The CLS is responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. The CLS demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods. This includes routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance. Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level. It is expected that a CLS at this grade performs more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the entry level.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
3. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
4. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
6. Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
7. 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: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Responsibilities:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

• Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Implements policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
• Accurately performs pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing and analyze and interprets laboratory tests.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account 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.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs instrumentation.
• 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.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• Conforms to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials and emergency management directives.
• Incumbent performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual and automated techniques. Duties require competency in the areas of Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology, Serology, Special Chemistry and Urinalysis. Testing duties in all disciplines require the Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results.
• Prepares reagents, and verifies correct instrument operation. Maintains validity of assay system by appropriate testing of reagents prior to use for patient testing. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures.
• Correlates and integrates information and performs additional testing to confirm abnormal results. The work involves accurate and timely
  completion of testing to provide relevant clinical information to physicians crucial to patient care.
• Recognizes all critical value results and for the effective and immediate communication of those results to the patient's provider following all required steps and documentation.

Work Schedule: Nightime shifts. Starting at 6:00pm until 6:30am. Final schedule determined upon hire and needs of the service. May require weekends and Holidays.
Compressed/Flexible:Not available.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov for, the EDRP Program Office for questions/assistance. Learn more
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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
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 available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60468-A / 60469-A / 60470-A

Salary : $417