Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

Veterans Health Administration; Mather AFB Munitions Storage (formerly) (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) at GS-12 level. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field, plus appropriate certification (MLS or MT).

Proficiency in English is required, with Grandfathering provisions described for current VHA employees. This role emphasizes laboratory information systems and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in MLS/MLT or related science as required.
• Candidate must meet one of the certification options (MLS or MT).
• English proficiency in speaking and writing as per policy.

Skills

Clinical laboratory knowledge

Laboratory information systems

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement programme. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with 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 complete review of the EDRP application.

Basic Requirements:

1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

2. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

3. 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 (for example, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.)

4. 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.

Grandfathering Provision:

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:

1. Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
2. If an assignment above the FPL requires another certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted.
3. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
4. Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
5. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

Grade Determinations:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager), GS-12.

• Experience or Education: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:
  1. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
  1. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems.
  2. Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
  3. Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system.
  4. Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions.
  5. Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.
  6. Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.

Reference:

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 12.

Physical Requirements:

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.