Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking aClinical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist at the GS-12 level. The position emphasizes compliance with regulatory standards, advanced laboratory procedures, and guidance to staff.

Candidates must meet citizenship, language, education, and certification requirements as outlined by VA policies. Eligible candidates may apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with program details determined after review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Education outside the U.S. must be evaluated for equivalence by an acceptable organization.
• Certification must be one of ASCP BOC/AMT generalist or equivalent.
• Grandfathering provision may apply for current VA employees in this occupation.

Skills

Medical laboratory concepts

Regulatory compliance

Instructional skills

Advanced lab functions

Problem solving

Guidance and direction

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university

ASCP BOC/AMT certification eligibility

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. 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

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

• Submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
• Certification: Must possess one of the below certifications
  • 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.

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).

Grade Determinations GS-12 level

Experience -

1. Knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, medico-legal requirements, and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests.
2. Knowledge of instructional techniques to instruct newly hired clinical laboratory scientists and clinical pathology residents in proper performance of tests and applications of laboratory procedures.
3. Knowledge of one or more advanced clinical laboratory functions.
4. Skill to apply new scientific/technical developments to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
5. Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of a clinical laboratory.
6. Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of the specific laboratory section.

Preferred Experience:

1. A minimum of three (3) years of continuous experience working in a specialized transfusion service/blood bank, with primary duties assigned to that department.
2. Demonstrated experience performing validation, verification, and ongoing performance checks of critical transfusion equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, blood bank irradiator, incubators, centrifuges, blood warmers, platelet agitators, crossmatch and antibody testing automated platforms).
3. Direct experience performing and being assigned to weekly/daily/monthly/quarterly and annual maintenance for all transfusion service equipment, including blood bank automated instruments, with clear documentation and escalation of any issues.
4. Active participation in transfusion service quality programs, including preparation for and response to AABB and FDA inspections, familiarity with applicable standards and regulations, and experience implementing corrective and preventive actions.
5. Hands‑on experience with solid‑phase red cell adherence methodologies on automated platforms (e.g., antibody screening/identification, compatibility testing), including troubleshooting and correlation studies with other methodologies.
6. Strong documentation and communication skills, with the ability to write and maintain SOPs, validation plans/reports, equipment maintenance logs, and quality indicators, and to collaborate effectively with medical directors, frontline staff, and regulatory/accreditation surveyors.

Reference:

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements:

Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted)and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.