Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Proper performance of phlebotomy is required. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services. Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results. Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements. Acts as designee to assist supervisor with QC troubleshooting and review. Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results. Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems. Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient. Provides advisory services to technicians, technologists, and other specialties. Performs phlebotomy on weekends, holidays and as required. Attends primary operator training for assigned instrumentation and serves as the technical expert on operation and troubleshooting. Trains other technologists in correct procedures of operation, reviews procedures should problems arise, and demonstrates more advanced troubleshooting procedures. Orders all reagents and supplies for assigned instruments to ensure availability of all tests on the analyzer's menu, making sure to allow for reagent or calibrator problems that may arise. Is primary operator and technical expert of assigned instruments Confers with other Lead Techs, Supervisor, Pathology Resident, and/or Clinical Pathologist on any unusual findings that may require further testing and relays information to all other technologists who rotate through applicable lab section. Ensures that all maintenance is done per manufacturer's schedule. Acts as designee to assist supervisor with distribution, testing, transcription, and submission of CAP surveys so that they are completed and submitted before deadlines as required by CAP. Assists supervisor with 6-month instrument cross-checks, 6-month non-CAP CVL studies, annual auto-pipet carryover studies, annual thermometer calibration verification, statistical analysis program data entry as needed, and any other duties as assigned. Assists supervisor and acts as designee with Laboratory Accreditation preparedness, including reviewing and answering checklist questions, and assistance with inspections of assigned areas of the laboratory. Responsible for the daily bench assignments of technologists in the absence of the Chemistry Supervisor and reorganizes coverage of all critical instrumentation and testing should short staffing occur. Shall conform to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials and emergency management directives. Work Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. rotating weekends and holidays Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-60342-A 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.