Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Hematology/Blood Bank)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform a broad range of standard, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures, ensuring accurate test results and timely reporting.

This role requires English proficiency, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and eligibility for MLS/MT certification; duties include maintaining equipment, quality control, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with the healthcare team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or related field.
• Eligible for CLS certification per ASCP/AMT routes.
• English language proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain equipment and records; ensure biosafety and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate quality control activities and training.
• Prepare reports and communicate critical results to staff.

Skills

English proficiency

Laboratory procedures

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in clinical laboratory science or related field

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) & 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 ineligible to apply.

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

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
• 7407(a) English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
• 7403 (f)
• 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
• 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 - Laboratory Director - or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
• Certification cont
• Exception for Non-Certified
• Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency
• Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C.
• 7405(c)(2)
• Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL
• Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
• Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
• Failure to Obtain Certification
• In all cases - CLSs must actively work to meet requirements for certification starting from the date of their placement into the occupation
• At the time of appointment - the Human Resources (HR) Office staff - in collaboration with the supervisor - will provide the employee with the written requirements for certification - including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline
• Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment
• Loss of Credential
• If an employee fails to maintain the required certification - management officials - in collaboration with HR Office staff - must immediately remove the employee from duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation
• This may also result in separation from employment
• If a CLS currently has - or ever had - their CLS certification revoked - suspended - denied - restricted - limited - or issued/placed in a probationary status - HR Office staff must appoint them according to the provisions in VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 3 - Section B - paragraph 16
• NOTE: This provision is not intended to regularize appointments/ placements
• Foreign Education
• To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
• Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency - and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program
• OR The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
• NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11 Experience or Education
• Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• or 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
• In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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: Current working knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts
• Hospital experience preferred
• Previous blood bank experience required
• Reference: For more information on Clinical Laboratory Scientist qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Former VA Handbook 5005 Reference: Part II Appendix G24 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
• Moderate Lifting - 15-44 pounds
• Light Carrying - under 15 pounds
• Use of fingers
• Walking - 2 hours
• Standing - 2 hours
• Near vison correctable at 13"" to 16"" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vison correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Hearing (aid permitted)Mental/Emotional Stability required
• Working closely with others
• Working alone

Duties

• Duties may include - but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of standard - advanced - and complex laboratory procedures - recognizes deviations from expected results - analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles - and recognizes and communicates predefined critical results to appropriate staff
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens - understands specimen requirements - and accounts for physiologic processes that may affect specimen analysis
• Maintains laboratory equipment and documents maintenance according to laboratory policies and procedures
• Performs instrument calibrations and repairs - provides preventive maintenance - identifies instrument malfunctions - and documents and resolves deviations of instrument performance
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
• Prepares reports - maintains records - administrative information - prepares and presents work related information to supervisor
• Research qualitative and quantitative methods in the appropriate laboratory specialty area
• Performs statistical analysis on quality control and quality assurance monitors
• Performs qualitative and quantitative moderate and complex testing methods in all the assigned laboratory specialty areas
• Is responsible for coordination of training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty areas
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation
• Maintains and calibrates instrumentation and equipment to ensure correct performance
• Troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment problems during the shift to ensure uninterrupted testing
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation
• Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation
• Performs all assigned duties in a timely and efficient manner
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP - FDA - JC - AABB - and OSHA
• Coordinates quality control activities with the supervisor
• Coordinates proficiency program for the appropriate laboratory specialty
• Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty area
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:00am - 3:30pm (Rotating Weekends and Holidays) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized