Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist
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 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.
Major duties
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System - Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Total Rewards - Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional responsible for performing complex diagnostic testing on human specimens to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Testing may be conducted across multiple specialties, including Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry. The CLS performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing in accordance with established laboratory standards. This position supports the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) and provides laboratory services for all Tulsa and Muskogee locations, including the Muskogee VA Medical Center and Tulsa Outpatient Clinic. Work is performed across various laboratory disciplines such as bacteriology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, and urinalysis. Responsibilities include ensuring accuracy of testing, maintaining quality control systems, and supporting patient diagnosis and treatment. Major Duties and Responsibilities Performs a broad range of laboratory tests and procedures, including advanced and complex analyses. Recognizes deviations from expected results and resolves issues using scientific principles. Evaluates and resolves problems related to specimen collection and processing, considering physiologic factors and testing requirements. Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and equipment. Performs and documents preventive maintenance and identifies issues affecting test performance. Conducts quality control and quality assurance activities, including corrective actions, using statistical principles and performance-improvement methods. Adheres to all biosafety and biosecurity regulations and maintains a safe laboratory environment. Identifies testing discrepancies, resolves problems, and recommends effective solutions. Responds to inquiries regarding test results, methodologies, and factors influencing accuracy. Interprets findings and recommends follow-up testing as needed. Assists in evaluating and implementing new laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures, including method comparisons and reference interval establishment. Communicates effectively and courteously with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues, delivering high-quality customer service. Provides guidance based on established laboratory principles and serves as a resource to clinical staff. Organizes work efficiently, sets priorities, and meets deadlines. Complies with all VHA and local directives related to safety, hazardous materials, life safety, and emergency management. Performs other duties as assigned, commensurate with grade level. Work Schedule: Full-time, primarily Monday through Friday, midnight to 10:30 AM, with rotating weekends and holidays. Compressed/Flexible: 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 [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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 available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 623-60498-A, 623-60499-A, 623-60500-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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 - To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must meet the following requirements: Citizenship Candidates must be citizens of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required. Certification Candidates must meet one of the following certification options: Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT. Exception for Non-Certified Applicants: Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT. Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL). Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment. 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). Foreign Education Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign credential review and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Foreign graduates qualify if: a. Their transcripts are evaluated as equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or b. They submit documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to take the certification examination. Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency. English Language Proficiency Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations - In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09 Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07; or A master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance. Ability to work effectively as a team member and complete assignments. Ability to read and interpret written instructions. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11 Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09; or Three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory 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 effectively with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients. 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-07 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 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.
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