Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is recruiting one Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Generalist to help care for our Veterans as part of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.

• Prepares reagents and primary reference materials, assembles equipment, and verifies correct instrument operation.
• Standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests such as special stains and procedures associated with whole blood and microbiological specimens, special cytochemical stains, body fluid analysis differentials and smears, cardiac panels, cross matching blood, etc.
• Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine, non‑routine, and specialized test procedures using manual techniques and/or instruments in accordance with the established protocol.
• Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction, locates the problem, and implements corrections.
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.
• Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic data with other laboratory data and/or other patient data to verify results.
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports results.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products.
• Maintains proper records for all quality control reports.
• Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.
• Responsible for generating laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for editing and verifying the results recorded into the computer system.
• Reviews test results to detect clerical errors, significant analytical errors, and unusual laboratory results.
• Assists in training new personnel, lower graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs.
• Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory.
• Maintains safety and cleanliness of laboratory.
• Follows all appropriate OSHA and HIPAA guidelines.
• Works with management to ensure laboratory is compliant with regulatory agency requirements and guidelines.
• Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures.
• Recognizes deviation from expected results.
• Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles when applicable and theories of performance improvement.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors which influence test results.
• Interprets results and suggests follow‑up test selection or procedures.
• May be called upon to assist in evaluation and implementation of new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods when applicable.
• Interpret findings and makes recommendations.

• Full‑time:
  Monday‑Friday, 7:00 am–3:30 pm.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus):
  Not Authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
  Not Authorized.
• Pay:
  Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Parental Leave:
  After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy:
  After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Insurance:
  Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Telework:
  Not Available.
• Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 60601‑A, 60602‑A, 60603‑A.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not Authorized.