Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Chemistry​/Urinalysis

Summary

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 complete review of the EDRP application.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency:
  In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Education:
  
  A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Certification:
  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
• Note:
  
  Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
• Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including - Ancillary Testing Coordinator - Education Coordinator - Laboratory Information Manager - Quality Manager - Laboratory Manager - Regional Technical Specialist - National Quality and Compliance Agent - Regional Program Manager - Regional Director - Laboratory Director - or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
• Grade Determinations: GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Chemistry/Urinalysis Experience or
  
  Education:
  
  Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (1)
  
  Experience:
  
  1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9)
• Some examples of experience - not limited to - evaluating - performing - interpreting - and validating the accuracy and validity of test results
• Demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods
• this includes routine testing - quality control - routine maintenance of instrumentation - and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance
• OR (2)
  
  Education:
  
  Must have 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
• (3) Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:
  In addition to the experience or education above - you must demonstrate all the following KSAs clearly in your resume:
  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
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Greater than 3 years experience in a medium or large medical center
• 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements:
  
  The work requires regular and recurrent sitting - standing - walking - reaching and bending
• Occasionally lifts heavy containers of supplies or equipment.

• Total Rewards:
  Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
  * This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 5 - 2026
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 13 - 2026
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.
  * The positions of Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) are located within the Chemistry/Urinalysis department within the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of Columbia VA Health Care System - 6439 Garners Ferry Rd - Columbia - SC 29209
• A CLS at this level carries out the…