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.
Duties
- Duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of standard, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures, recognizes deviations from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles, and recognizes and communicates predefined critical results to appropriate staff. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, understands specimen requirements, and accounts for physiologic processes that may affect specimen analysis. Maintains laboratory equipment and documents maintenance according to laboratory policies and procedures. Performs instrument calibrations and repairs, provides preventive maintenance, identifies instrument malfunctions, and documents and resolves deviations of instrument performance. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Prepares reports, maintains records, administrative information, prepares and presents work related information to supervisor. Research qualitative and quantitative methods in the appropriate laboratory specialty area. Performs statistical analysis on quality control and quality assurance monitors. Performs qualitative and quantitative moderate and complex testing methods in all the assigned laboratory specialty areas. Is responsible for coordination of training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty areas. Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation. Maintains and calibrates instrumentation and equipment to ensure correct performance. Troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment problems during the shift to ensure uninterrupted testing. Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation. Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation. Performs all assigned duties in a timely and efficient manner. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, FDA, JC, AABB, and OSHA. Coordinates quality control activities with the supervisor. Coordinates proficiency program for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty area. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 3:30pm - 12:00am (Rotating Weekends and Holidays) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Dean.Sitzler@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
Qualifications cont., Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12. Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for all GS-12 assignments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results. Preferred Experience: Current working knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts. Hospital experience preferred. Generalist experience also preferred. Previous blood bank experience required. Advancement to the full performance level will be considered only after it is determined that the incumbent shows satisfactory performance after 1 year at the GS-11 level. Reference: For more information on Clinical Laboratory Scientist qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Former VA Handbook 5005 Reference: Part II Appendix G24 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Moderate Lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light Carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Walking - 2 hours; Standing - 2 hours; Near vison correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vison correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted)Mental/Emotional Stability required; Working closely with others; Working alone 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/.