Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200
-000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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.

• Citizenship:
  Must be a US Citizen
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f)
• Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED): A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Certification:
  Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
• (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
• (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
• Grade Determinations:
  
  Experience:
  
  Must have at least one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9)
• OR - Education
• Must have three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
• GS-11 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:
  In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
• Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
• Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
• Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

• The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is located at the Danville VA Illiana Healthcare System located at 1900 E Main St
• Danville - IL 61832
• This is considered full performance level (FPL) for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
• A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory
• The CLS develops - performs - evaluates - interprets - correlates - and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements
• The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties including - but not limited to - Hematology - Chemistry - lmmunohematology (Blood Bank) - Microbiology - Immunology - Cytogenetics - Anatomic Pathology - Electron Microscopy - Molecular Diagnostics - and Flow Cytometry
• A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing
• Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods
• In addition to routine testing - the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting
• The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states - determines the validity of test results - and the need for additional tests
• Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer - analyzer specialist - primary operator on new test systems - quality control specialist - supply control - and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment proficiency/survey program
• This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
• These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility - including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision
• The CLS assesses a situation - considers the options - and formulates an appropriate course of action
• This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures - collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients - and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional - courteous - and effective manner
• Major Duties:
  
  - Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including…