Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform essential laboratory duties. Candidates must possess a relevant bachelor's degree and certifications. This role requires U.S. citizenship and adherence to certification requirements, with opportunities for temporary appointments for non-certified applicants.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific VA recruitment criteria.
• Education must be from an accredited institution.

Responsibilities

• Duties include responsibilities of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
• Must meet specific experience or education criteria for grade levels.

Skills

United States Citizenship

Basic Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Generalist certification as an MLS

Generalist certification as an MT

Categorical or Specialist certification

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Duties

Total Rewards of an Allied Health VA Career Brochure

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (formerly Medical Technologist): Career Flyer

The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist include but are not limited to the following:

Requirements

Qualifications

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.
• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

• 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 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 certification held. They are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or non-section-specific roles such as Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Director, etc.

(2) Exception for Non-Certified:

• (a) Applicants without current certification may be hired and work toward certification if eligible to take the exam through approved routes.
• (b) Non-Certified applicants may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
• (c) Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under supervision.
• (d) They may only be appointed at the entry level until certification is obtained.
• (e) Temporary appointments may not be extended beyond 2 years or converted to permanent positions.

(3) Failure to Obtain Certification: Must actively work to meet certification requirements from the date of placement. Failure may result in separation from employment.

(4) Loss of Credential: If certification is not maintained, the employee will be removed from duties related to this occupation, possibly leading to separation.

Foreign Education: Education outside the U.S. must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. standards by an acceptable agency or accompanied by eligibility confirmation from ASCP BOC or AMT.

May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision if current VHA employee meeting criteria.

Grade Determinations

Candidates must meet specific experience or education criteria for each grade level, with detailed knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined for GS-09 and GS-11 levels.

References

For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level is GS-11, with a range of GS-7 to GS-11 for applicant selection.

Physical Requirements

Includes lifting, carrying, use of fingers, walking, standing, bending, stooping, color discrimination, visual and auditory requirements, and ability to wear PPE.