Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist to oversee operations in the Immunohematology Department. The ideal candidate will manage laboratory processes, ensure compliance, and provide training while collaborating with clinical staff. This role requires a Bachelor's degree, relevant certifications, and leadership skills. The position offers eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program, making it an attractive opportunity for qualified candidates.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• 3 years Blood Bank experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations in the Immunohematology Department.
• Facilitate team processes and collaborate with management.
• Act as a liaison to other departments.

Skills

Knowledge of medical technology

Skill to maintain laboratory instrumentation

Ability to develop procedures

Ability to manage work activities

Ability to provide staff development

Ability to provide guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

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 a complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientists facilitate team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, and achievements are coordinated with management. They are responsible for all aspects of operation in the Immunohematology Department, including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance. They act as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the Immunohematology Department.

Duties Include:

Requirements

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-Documentation Submitted. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification-Documentation Submitted: 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.
• 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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

  Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12.

  Assignments. For all GS-12 assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety and be performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time. Candidates at this grade level are in one of the following assignments.

  Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

  • Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
  • Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
  • Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
  • Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
  • Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
  • Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements, and results.

  Assignment. For all lead assignments, the individual must spend at least 25% or more of their time performing lead duties over staff one grade level below. The Lead CLS communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values, and performs various leadership responsibilities as described.

  Preferred Experience: 3 years Blood Bank experience

  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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019