Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Summary
Performs and validates clinical lab tests (chemistry, microbiology, hematology) using automated/manual methods, ensures quality control, and correlates results with patient care in a VA healthcare setting.
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is in the Pathology and Lab Services at the VA Maine Healthcare System located at the Augusta, ME location. This position consists of Intermittent hours.
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Duties include, but are not limited to: Perform a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Perform on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. Conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. Assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action. Monitor 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. Work Schedule: Intermittent - Schedule varies Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement# F08015, F08016, F08017 Relocation Incentive: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure: Not required Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases when setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the 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)? NOTIFICATIONS: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is an AFGE Bargaining unit. This position is on a special salary rate. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's. Current and former Federal employees may submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. No award SF50s will be accepted. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
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. 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.