Clinical Laboratory Scientist

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.

This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants in USA Staffing will be qualified based on the resume submitted and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks until the announcement is closed, cancelled, or filled. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability KSA on a separate document. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs work in the HLA/ Tissue Typing laboratory section of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service Line. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates through the HLA laboratory benches including processing, Single Antigen, NGS and others. Works off-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, nights, and call-back as priorities demonstrate a need. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis ensuring physiologic processes and requirements. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Calibrate, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results. Performs complex laboratory procedures and analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm interpretation of abnormal patient results. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors which influence test results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Instructs, assists, and advises medical technicians, residents, hospital staff, patients and students as necessary regarding questions, but not limited to, patient testing, specimen collection, equipment, ordering requirements, incorporating principles of educational methodology, etc. Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current regulations. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Assists with laboratory projects and improvements such as safety, quality control monitoring, supplies and reagent monitoring and ordering and analyzer specialist. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Adheres to all facility, local, state and federal safety requirements. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8am - 4:30pm; and on call Telework: Ad-Hoc 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 vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.