Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology
What you'd do
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.
Major duties
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs essential laboratory testing that supports diagnosis and treatment for Veterans. Duties progress from routine and moderately complex testing at GS-07 to independent, complex testing and troubleshooting at GS-09. At GS-11, the scientist performs high-complexity testing, evaluates new methods, ensures regulatory compliance, and serves as a technical expert within specialized areas such as microbiology or molecular diagnostics. Across all levels, the role ensures accurate results, safe laboratory practices, and efficient workflow within the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service. Primary Duties, but not limited too: GS-07 Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Perform a variety of routine and moderately complex clinical laboratory tests under general supervision. - Prepare specimens, reagents, controls, and calibrators according to laboratory procedures. - Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, performing basic troubleshooting as needed. - Verify test accuracy by running quality control samples and documenting results. - Enter and validate test data in the laboratory information system (LIS). - Follow safety, infection control, and regulatory guidelines within the laboratory environment. - Communicate test variances or abnormal findings to senior staff. - Support laboratory workflow through specimen handling, processing, and distribution. GS-09 Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Perform complex clinical laboratory testing independently across multiple disciplines (e.g., chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology). - Evaluate test results for accuracy, interpret findings, and report critical values promptly. - Calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory analyzers and instruments. - Review and monitor quality control data, identifying trends and initiating corrective actions. - Assist in developing, updating, and implementing laboratory procedures and performance standards. - Participate in proficiency testing, competency assessments, and accreditation compliance activities. - Train and guide junior staff, students, or new employees in laboratory methods. - Ensure regulatory compliance with VA, CAP, CLIA, and other governing bodies. GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology) - Perform advanced microbiology testing, including culture setup, organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular diagnostic procedures. - Interpret complex microbiological results, verify accuracy, and report critical findings promptly to clinical providers. - Troubleshoot testing issues, analyze quality control trends, and initiate corrective actions when needed. - Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized microbiology instruments, ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, and VA regulations. - Perform advanced molecular assays (e.g., PCR-based testing) following established protocols. - Evaluate new testing methods, assist with validation studies, and contribute to updates of standard operating procedures. - Serve as a technical resource for staff, providing guidance, training, and competency assessments for microbiology procedures. - Maintain accurate documentation, participate in proficiency testing, and ensure readiness for inspections and accreditation reviews. - Follow biosafety, infection control, and biohazard handling procedures to maintain a safe laboratory environment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, 8am-430pm w rotating weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41800F,40289F, & 40291F EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected]., the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
What you need to qualify
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. 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: 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: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. 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. EXCEPTION for Non-Certified Applicants 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 (GS-07 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. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).Grandfathering : See "Additional Information" for specific information regarding the Grandfathering Provision.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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at the grade level specified.GS-07 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Experience (Entry Level): Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Employee at this level serves in a CLS entry-level position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervision. GS-09 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Experience -OR- Education -AND- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Developmental Level) 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 (GS-07). -OR- Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. -AND- Certification- Certification is REQUIRED at this level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance. Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Ability to read and interpret written instructions. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. Assignment. An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS. The CLS is responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. Please review the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644 for additional details of the assignment at the GS-09 Grade Level. GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Experience -OR- Education -AND- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Full Performance Level) 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 (GS-09). -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. -AND- Certification. Certification is REQUIRED at this level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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. Assignment. A CLS at this full performance level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. Please review the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644 for additional details of the assignment at the GS-11 Grade Level. Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of Blood Bank experience. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
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