Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; East Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Regular salary increases

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist for the East Orange VA, part of the New Jersey VA Health Care System. This role involves performing complex diagnostic testing across various laboratory sections and ensuring accuracy in patient care.

Commitment to quality control and the ability to troubleshoot instruments are vital. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications are preferred for this key position in patient healthcare.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen; proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• Generalist certification as an MLS or MT is mandatory.
• 2-5 years of experience in laboratory settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic tests and validate results in the lab.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure quality control.
• Communicate test results and methodologies to healthcare teams.

Skills

Clinical Laboratory Science principles

Laboratory quality control

Knowledge of informatics

Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Tools

Laboratory instruments

ASCP or AMT certification tools

Job description

Summary

This Open Continuous Announcement is for Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist positions at the East Orange VA – part of the New Jersey VA Health Care System. As generalists, selected candidates will rotate through various laboratory sections, perform complex diagnostic testing, validate results, maintain laboratory instruments, and ensure accuracy and quality in patient care.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements
  • United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available per VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.
  • 7403(f) (appropriate regulation).
  • Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification
  • Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • Categorical or specialist certification by ASCP or AMT (not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or unrelated lab sections).
• Exception for Non‑Certified
  • Non‑certified applicants may be hired and may work toward certification if eligible to take the MLS exam via ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Non‑certified applicants who meet eligibility may receive a temporary CLS appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).
  • They may only provide care under supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
  • They may only be appointed at entry level and cannot be promoted until certification is obtained.
  • Temporary appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • They may qualify under the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet criteria.
• Grade Determinations
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑11.
  • Experience or Education: Must have either one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level or three full years of graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound independent work.
  • Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance procedures, and performance improvement principles.
  • Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
  • Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
  • Ability to make independent technical judgments to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
  • Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other healthcare team members, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
  • Preferred: Generalist; section specialty experience with ASCP specialty acceptable.
  • 2–5 years of experience required; understanding of laboratory workflow, specimen acceptance/rejection criteria, troubleshooting, quality control related to patient testing, regulatory compliance, proficiency testing, and quality management/assurance; effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Physical Requirements

  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2026.
• Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
• Positions are within the Pathology and Laboratory service at the East Orange Campus.
• The incumbent functions as a generalist and rotates through multiple laboratory sections: Blood Bank; Hematology; Chemistry; Coagulation; Microbiology/Molecular; Serology; Special Chemistry; Urinalysis; and reference testing.
• Perform a broad range of routine and complex laboratory procedures.
• Analyze and correct problems using scientific principles, providing sound independent work.
• Interpret and apply complex written instructions.
• Organize workload, prioritize urgent and routine tests, and meet turnaround requirements.
• Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens.
• Maintain and document optimal instrument performance; perform calibrations, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance.
• Diagnose deviations due to instrument malfunction; troubleshoot to maintain optimal operating conditions and accuracy.
• Use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret results.
• Perform and document quality control, quality assurance activities, and corrective actions using statistical principles and performance improvement theories.
• Identify discrepancies; solve problems; present solutions for testing platforms, quality control, or patient results deviating from expected performance.
• Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and influencing factors.
• Interpret results and suggest follow‑up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures; assess equipment method comparison and establish reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
• Interpret findings and make recommendations.
• Incorporate educational methodology in instruction and training of new employees and students; support the laboratory's in‑service and continuing education program.
• Adhere to biosafety, biosecurity, and infection prevention regulations.
• Communicate effectively as part of the healthcare team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work schedule: Intermittent positions; applicants’ availability for days and tours will be determined during interview.
• Compensation: Competitive salary; regular salary increases; pay at a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA. Above minimum rate of the grade is possible.
• Telework: Not available; virtual: not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 12242F.
• PCS: Not authorized.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
• PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized.

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation is competitive and includes regular salary increases aligned with grade step rates. Telework is not available for this position, and it is not a virtual role. Functional Statement #12242F applies, with no PCS authorization or relocation/recruitment incentives.