Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Ann Arbor, MI. This position involves performing laboratory tests, ensuring quality control, and collaborating on patient treatments. Candidates need a relevant bachelor's degree and certification. It's an entry-level role with opportunities for advancement within a supportive healthcare environment.

Benefits

Educational Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Annual paid time off

12-week paid parental leave

Child care subsidy eligibility

Traditional federal pension

Federal health, vision, and dental insurance

Qualifications

• Certification as MLS or MT is required.
• Experience equivalent to the next lower grade may be needed for advancement.
• Ability to work with laboratory equipment and perform tests.

Responsibilities

• Develops, performs, and validates laboratory tests.
• Monitors quality control systems in a variety of lab disciplines.
• Collaborates in diagnosis and provides education to healthcare professionals.

Skills

Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing

Quality control procedures

Teamwork

Ability to interpret instructions

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field

Job description

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.





Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Some major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

For GS-7: This is considered an entry position leading to a full level performance for nonsupervisory positions. A Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)-formerly known as Medical Technologist (MT} or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS). The incumbent practices under the close supervision of a CLS at or above full performance level. Under supervision the employee develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as molecular, microbiology, chemistry (including endocrinology, toxicology, and immunochemistry), coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology, and urinalysis. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public.

For GS-9: This is considered a developmental position leading to a full level performance for nonsupervisory positions. A Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS) - at this level, under supervision the employee develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as molecular, microbiology, chemistry (including endocrinology, toxicology, and immunochemistry), coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology, and urinalysis.

For GS-11: This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. A ClinicalLab Scientist (CLS)- at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as molecular, microbiology, chemistry (including endocrinology, toxicology, and immunochemistry), coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology, and urinalysis.


Work Schedule: Part-time, Variable, Rotating weekends and holidays
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [e-mail], the EDRP Coordinator 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 #: 94007A, 94006A, 94005A
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. The VA HR Office staff can hire applicants who do not currently hold valid certification, but actively working towards their certification, at the entry level, GS-7.

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.
• Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below.
• 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.
• Exception for Non-Certified. (Details in Education Section)
  • Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 4 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

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 grade levels specified.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07, Experience & Assignment:

Candidates at this level must meet the criteria below:

• Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
• Education: 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: 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.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11 (1), 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.

(2) 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.

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.

Physical Requirements: While work is partially sedentary, there are demands for standing, walking, bending at times. May also require travel by auto or plane.