Clinical Lab Scientist

Overview

This is the full performance level (FPL) for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) position assigned to the Clinical Testing Unit - Microbiology - or Pathology department within P&LMS at Dayton VAMC - Dayton - Ohio. The incumbent must meet the basic requirements and the additional Experience or Education requirements as defined in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard (GS-0644).

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Education:
  
  A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or in a related science (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology).
• Certification:
  Generalist certification as an MLS (ASCP BOC or AMT) or Generalist certification as an MT (ASCP BOR or AMT).
• Grandfathering:
  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 in this occupation who meet the criteria).
• Grade Determinations: GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Microbiology (FPL). The CLS independently carries out day-to-day operations and is responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. The CLS performs a variety of tests across areas including Specimen Collection and Processing, Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Blood Bank, Blood Gas, Urinalysis, Microbiology, Molecular, Histology, and Pathology.
• Experience or
  
  Education:
  
  One of the following:
• (a)
  
  Experience:
  
  1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• (b)
  
  Education:
  
  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.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories; knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance; proficiency in informatics and data flow; ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation; ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions; ability to communicate and interact with health care teams, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• Major duties include serving as a Technical Specialist in Microbiology/Molecular, providing expert advice and consultation for difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge.
• Perform a wide range of routine and specialized laboratory tests in Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Molecular, Histology, and Pathology.
• Collect and prepare biological specimens, evaluate suitability, and ensure proper handling to maintain integrity.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot laboratory instruments; perform minor repairs as needed.
• Monitor and document quality control systems; ensure compliance with CAP, Joint Commission, CLIA, and VA standards.
• Analyze, interpret, and validate test results; correlate findings with patient history and clinical data; promptly report critical values.
• Generate and verify laboratory results in the computer system; maintain accurate data entry and recordkeeping.
• Participate in process improvement, method validation, and implementation of new laboratory procedures and technologies.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff, students, and other healthcare professionals; conduct in-service sessions.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and reagents to ensure efficient operations.
• Adhere to biosafety, infection control, and data security policies; ensure compliance with privacy and safety regulations.
• Provide professional, courteous service to patients, staff, and healthcare teams; demonstrate sensitivity to patient age, culture, and individual needs.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and required VA training.
• Work Schedule:
  
  Rotating schedule with weekends and holidays. Functional Statement #: 93086-0. EDRP Authorized; former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact VISN
  10HR
  CCOE for questions/assistance.
• Learn more