Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas, under Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in the Evening Core Lab Section..

DUTIES: Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. The incumbent will assist to oversee the implementation and validation of new tests. Maintains, monitors and prepares reagents for utilization in Evening Core Lab Section. Maintains and monitors supplies and stock levels. Requests replacement supplies as needed to ensure Evening Core Lab Section. operations. 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. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, JC, AABB, FDA, OSHA and Federal Regulations. Coordinates Quality Control activities with the Supervisor. Coordinates proficiency program for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Maintains and monitors recordkeeping systems, establishes effective quality control procedures and identifies/implements changes needed in the quality assurance program. Evaluates the validity of data by integrating and correlating test data with other laboratory and patient data. Maintains and monitors conformity to protocols using knowledge of medical technology principles and theories. Reviews all SOPs for Quality Assurance standards assuring: There are written procedures for validation to insure the procedures accomplish their intended purpose. That procedures have been developed for training and certifying individuals to perform these procedures. Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of performance. Assures corrective action is initiated when test performance deviates from established performance specifications. Additional duties/tasks may include any of the following: Attends vendor training for complex analytical instrument(s) and is responsible for training employees in its operation. Performs complex maintenance procedures and is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting problems. Responsible for updating procedure manuals for specific laboratory function. Oversee clinical training experiences or training programs of personnel to fulfill educational and professional requirements (where training programs exist). Recommends guidelines and/or policies for non-routine or complex assignments. Assists Evening Shift Supervisor with competency program. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 3:30pm - 12:00am. Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-02080F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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.