Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

The Primary Purpose of the position is to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as they apply to the clinical and anatomic laboratory. The Organizational location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth, Texas.

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: 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. 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. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. 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. 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. OR Eligible to take the certification examination. You must submit a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating that you are eligible to take the certification examination. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, you must meet the following: Experience: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) which is directly related to the position to be filled. This is required for all GS-12 assignments. Examples of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) includes: Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements; Performs a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization. Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. Preferred Experience: One year creditable experience as a Medical Technologist at the GS 11 level or higher. Demonstrated experience working with laboratory information systems, HL7, and networking. Demonstrated experience interfacing laboratory instrumentation to laboratory information systems. Demonstrated experience setting up local servers as well as virtual servers and working in the cloud. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.