Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan repayment initiative. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, including award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years), is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services after reviewing the application. Former participants are ineligible to reapply.

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be considered tentatively but cannot be hired until all requirements are fulfilled.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following options: (a) Generalist certification as an MLS by ASCP BOC or AMT, (b) Generalist certification as an MT by ASCP BOR or AMT, or (c) Categorical/Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or unrelated lab sections but are acceptable for higher-graded positions within relevant lab sections or specific roles such as Education Coordinator or Laboratory Director.
• Exception for Non-Certified: Applicants without current certification may be hired and work towards certification, with specific conditions regarding supervision, appointment type, and time limits. Failure to obtain certification may lead to separation.
• Foreign Education: Must be deemed equivalent to U.S. standards through evaluation or certification eligibility letter. Foreign degrees can qualify if evaluated as equivalent or if accompanied by certification eligibility.
• Grade Determinations: Experience or education requirements for GS-07, GS-09, and GS-11 levels are specified, along with KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) for each grade. Full details are available via the provided reference link.

Physical Requirements and Duties:

• Physical demands include lifting, carrying, use of fingers, standing, walking, visual and auditory requirements, and working in noisy environments.
• Core duties involve specimen evaluation, preparation, testing, quality control, calibration, troubleshooting, data verification, and reporting. Additional responsibilities include training staff, inventory management, and adhering to regulatory standards.

Additional Information:

• Work Schedule: Various shifts, including rotating weekends and holidays; options for compressed tours.
• Telework: Not available. Virtual: Not a virtual position.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be available for highly qualified candidates at GS-7 or GS-9 levels but not at GS-11.
• Other benefits include competitive salary, paid time off, parental leave, childcare subsidy, retirement plans, federal insurance, and no PCS allowance.