Clinical Laboratory Scientist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to independently manage daily lab operations, develop and validate procedures, and interpret results in line with regulatory requirements.

The role involves correlating lab data with patient conditions and ensuring quality control and compliance. Required is a bachelor’s degree in a medical laboratory science field, with certification options including MLS/MT generalist or appropriate specialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in medical laboratory science or related field.
• Certification options: MLS or MT generalist or categorical/specialist per ASCP/AMT.
• English proficiency in speaking and writing as per VA standards.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day laboratory operations independently.
• Develop, perform, evaluate, and validate procedures and results.
• Correlate abnormal data with pathological states and determine additional testing needs.
• Monitor quality control systems and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Independent judgment

Laboratory data interpretation

Communication with healthcare team

Troubleshooting instrumentation

Knowledge of QC/QA procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field

3 years of graduate education or PhD in medical technology or related science

Job description

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods.

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 in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.)
• Certification. (1) 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.
• 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,
• English Language Proficiency. CLSs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11

Experience or Education

• Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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

In addition, the CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program. This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing. These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action. This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner.

Preferred Experience

One or more years' of experience in core lab, microbiology, and blood bank.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The Full Performance Level for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The incumbent must be able to perform light lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs., reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, intermittent walking and standing for up to 6 hours in a shift, intermittent bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shade of colors, hearing (hearing aid permitted), emotional stability; ability to work closely with others and ability to work irregular hours.