Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Description:

Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in Iine with current laboratory regulatory requirements. The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology.

Requirements:

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
• Education : A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Foreign Education : To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:
  • Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program.
  • OR
  • Submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
• Certification: Must possess one of the below certifications
  • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations :

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07

Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09

Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:

Experience :1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

Education : Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
• Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
• Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11

Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:

Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Education : Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
• Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
• Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

Preferred Experience:

• 2 plus years experience in general laboratory, including Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, and Micro/Molecular processing because this is a night shift position.
• Must have recently graduated with a bachelor degree in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Science and be qualified to obtain generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT within 2-years of hire to qualify for the GS-07.
• Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Preferred
• Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. Preferred
• Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. (Not acceptable for Off-shift Generalist MLS positions)

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (up to 1/4 hour); pulling hand over hand (up to 1/4 hour); pushing (up to 1/4 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking/standing (4-8 hours); repeated bending (2-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/40 and 20/50 in other eye; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).