Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dublin (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Dublin, GA seeks a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (GS-11) to evaluate and validate test results, perform routine testing, and ensure instrument reliability. You will work within a high-volume clinical lab, applying rigorous QA/QC procedures and adhering to VA policies.

Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related field, and MLS or MT certification options.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required
• English language proficiency in reading and speaking
• Bachelor's degree or higher in medical technology or related field
• Certification options: MLS (ASCP BOC) or MT (ASCP BOR)
• May qualify under Grandfathering Provision if applicable

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, perform, interpret, and validate test results
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation
• Participate in quality control and quality assurance procedures

Skills

Clinical laboratory science

Quality control

Communication

Troubleshooting instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field

MLS certification (ASCP BOC)

MT certification (ASCP BOR)

Tools

Knowledge of laboratory processes

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.

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: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• 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.

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

GS-11 Clinical Laboratory ScientistExperience or Education:

1. Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9). Some examples of experience, not limited to, evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. Demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods. his 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.
2. 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.
3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, you must demonstrate all the following KSAs clearly in your resume:
   • 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.

Preferred Experience: 3 years experience preferred

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 GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

The work requires regular and recurrent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and bending. Occasionally lifts heavy containers of supplies or equipment.