Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist for the Ancillary Testing Coordinator position at the Providence VA Medical Center. This full-time role requires developing testing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and consulting with clinical service leadership. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and appropriate certifications, with experience preferred. The position offers stability with a fixed schedule from Monday to Friday, emphasizing quality assurance in laboratory services.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship required.
• Generalist certification as MLS or MT from ASCP BOC or AMT required.
• One year of experience at the next lower grade level for GS12.

Responsibilities

• Develop policies for ancillary testing requirements.
• Consult with leadership on testing needs.
• Provide advice and training on quality assessment.

Skills

Medical technology concepts

Mathematics and statistics

Knowledge of federal and state laws

Laboratory information technology systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college

Tools

CLIA licenses

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after review by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship. Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens per VA policy.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following certification options:
  • Generalist certification as an MLS issued by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Generalist certification as an MT issued by ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • Categorical or specialist certification by ASCP or AMT (may qualify under VA Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet criteria).
• Grade determinations: For GS‑12, one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level is required.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to oversee testing programs outside the laboratory.
  • Mathematics and statistics related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection, accreditation, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements.
  • Laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity.
  • Applying new scientific or technological developments to laboratory testing.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Developing and recommending policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing, ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off‑site facilities.
  • Consulting with clinical service leadership to identify ancillary testing needs, analyze emerging trends, and adopt appropriate methods.
  • Providing authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment, and ancillary testing consultation.
  • Assessing day‑to‑day compliance with established protocols.
• Physical Requirements: Regular risks and discomforts associated with clinic work; requires standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and manual skills for delicate procedures.

Duties

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) located at Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI.
• Full‑time, 40 hours per week.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing, ensuring CLIA license compliance for off‑site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC).
• Consult with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyze emerging trends and adopt appropriate methods.
• Serve as recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment, and ancillary testing program consultation.
• Develop technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials.
• Ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies for patient testing, results reporting, and proficiency testing.
• Monitor and report on continuous performance improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing compliance with established protocols and guidelines.
• Identify, define, and resolve issues associated with complex data and problems related to ancillary testing management.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m.‑4:30 p.m.; not authorized for compressed/flexible or telework; not a virtual position.