Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 129,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in New York City seeks a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System to coordinate team objectives.

The role requires expert test knowledge, collaboration with management, and responsibility for QA, calibration, training, and instrumentation across multiple specialty areas, with a 7:00am-3:30pm schedule.

Qualifications

• Must meet federal education requirements; education from accredited institutions is recognized for federal employment.
• Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency with official documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of operation in assigned specialty area(s) including records, reports, testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance.
• Coordinate team tasks and priorities with management to meet site goals and patient safety standards.
• Provide expert consultation on complex tests, advising on test selection and clinical relevance.
• Maintain process control through QA programs and monitor quality data for accuracy and reliability.

Skills

Leadership

Lab management

Quality assurance

Calibration

Training

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The position is located in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. The incumbent serves as Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist. He or she facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that task, priorities, goals, and achievements are coordinated with management.

Key Responsibilities

Major Duties: Responsible for all aspects of operation in their assigned specialty area(s) including (but not limited to) preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance.

Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed and assigned specialty areas(s) priorities goals, needs and achievements are coordinated with management. Acts as a liaison between the specialty area(s) and the supervisor.

Serves as an expert in assigned area(s) providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging test requiring special knowledge. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific test and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses.

Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associates with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists. Maintains process control in assigned specialty area(s) through a multifaceted quality assurance program. Monitors and review quality control data to ensure the highest possible product quality, service quality, and patient safety.

Assists and oversees calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Prepares reports, writes operating procedures, maintains records, and administrative information. Prepares and presents work-related information to supervisor. Identifies training needs appropriated for the type and complexity of the laboratory service performed.

Accepts assigned specialty area(s) to best meet clinical laboratory requirements at the discretion of Laboratory manager and/or medical Director. Specialty areas may include (but are not limited to) urinalysis, chemistry, special chemistry, hematology, coagulation, Immunohematology, and microbiology. Work Schedule: 7:00am-3:30pm; (Work Schedule may be discussed with hiring manager.) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD12471F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements & Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $128687 – $167297/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.