Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Asct, Louisville, KY, United States
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200-000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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
Education
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Certification
(1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below:
(a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
(b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
(c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non‑section specific assignments (including – Ancillary Testing Coordinator – Education Coordinator – Laboratory Information Manager – Quality Manager – Laboratory Manager – Regional Technical Specialist – National Quality and Compliance Agent – Regional Program Manager – Regional Director – Laboratory Director – or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
(2) Exception for Non‑Certified
(a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency
(b) Non‑Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)
(c) Non‑Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL
(d) Non‑certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
(e) Temporary appointments of non‑certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
(3) Failure to Obtain Certification
In all cases - CLSs must actively work to meet requirements for certification starting from the date of placement into the occupation
At the time of appointment - the Human Resources (HR) Office staff, in collaboration with the supervisor, will provide the employee with the written requirements for certification—including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline
Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment
(4) Loss of Credential
If an employee fails to maintain the required certification—management officials—in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately remove the employee from duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation
This may also result in separation from employment
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: (1) 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
(2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
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 (1) Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09 Experience or Education
(a) Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade
(b) Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
(2) Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles
(c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance
(d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions
(f) Ability to accurately perform pre‑analytical‑analytic‑and post‑analytical phases of testing Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS‑11 Experience or Education
(a) Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
(b) 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
(g) Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the health care team—external relations—customer service—and patient education
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‑7 to GS‑11
Physical Requirements
Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds)
Light carrying (under 15 pounds)
Use of fingers—both hands required
Walking (up to 4 hours)
Standing (up to 4 hours)
Repeated bending (up to 2 hours)
Intermittent—possible prolonged stooping and kneeling
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
Ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens
Ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise
Working closely with others
High cognitive function required to work in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy
Emotional stability required to maintain self‑control in difficult and stressful situations
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment as required
Duties
The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist– Generalist include but are not limited to the following: Evaluate the suitability of the specimen for analysis—requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable
Prepare specimens for analysis—ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained
Select—perform—evaluate and monitor the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with the established protocols
Recognize and react to indicators of malfunction
Locate and implement corrections
Conduct quality control procedures on equipment—reagents—and products and maintain proper records for quality control reports
Calibrate—standardize—adjust— and maintain instruments
Verify correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring
Identify the cause of common problems and make simple repairs
Evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
Correlate quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history—medications) to verify results
Perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results
Recognize abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and report 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
Comply with regulatory agency protocol (e.g., OSHA, etc.)
Participate in training new employees—clinical laboratory science students and medical students
Rotate to another section/shift as deemed necessary by management based on workload and staffing requirements
Assist supervisory personnel by retrieving and compiling test records and maintaining inventory by assessing needs—receiving supplies—and restocking areas
Work Schedule: Various tours available with rotating weekends and holidays
Compressed tour with second or third shift coverage—totaling 80 hours per pay period—may also be considered and negotiated
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov—the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more 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)
Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #:41025F - 41026F - 41027F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200-000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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
Education
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Certification
(1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below:
(a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
(b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
(c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non‑section specific assignments (including – Ancillary Testing Coordinator – Education Coordinator – Laboratory Information Manager – Quality Manager – Laboratory Manager – Regional Technical Specialist – National Quality and Compliance Agent – Regional Program Manager – Regional Director – Laboratory Director – or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
(2) Exception for Non‑Certified
(a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency
(b) Non‑Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)
(c) Non‑Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL
(d) Non‑certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
(e) Temporary appointments of non‑certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
(3) Failure to Obtain Certification
In all cases - CLSs must actively work to meet requirements for certification starting from the date of placement into the occupation
At the time of appointment - the Human Resources (HR) Office staff, in collaboration with the supervisor, will provide the employee with the written requirements for certification—including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline
Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment
(4) Loss of Credential
If an employee fails to maintain the required certification—management officials—in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately remove the employee from duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation
This may also result in separation from employment
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: (1) 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
(2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
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 (1) Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09 Experience or Education
(a) Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade
(b) Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
(2) Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles
(c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance
(d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions
(f) Ability to accurately perform pre‑analytical‑analytic‑and post‑analytical phases of testing Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS‑11 Experience or Education
(a) Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
(b) 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
(g) Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the health care team—external relations—customer service—and patient education
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‑7 to GS‑11
Physical Requirements
Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds)
Light carrying (under 15 pounds)
Use of fingers—both hands required
Walking (up to 4 hours)
Standing (up to 4 hours)
Repeated bending (up to 2 hours)
Intermittent—possible prolonged stooping and kneeling
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
Ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens
Ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise
Working closely with others
High cognitive function required to work in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy
Emotional stability required to maintain self‑control in difficult and stressful situations
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment as required
Duties
The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist– Generalist include but are not limited to the following: Evaluate the suitability of the specimen for analysis—requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable
Prepare specimens for analysis—ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained
Select—perform—evaluate and monitor the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with the established protocols
Recognize and react to indicators of malfunction
Locate and implement corrections
Conduct quality control procedures on equipment—reagents—and products and maintain proper records for quality control reports
Calibrate—standardize—adjust— and maintain instruments
Verify correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring
Identify the cause of common problems and make simple repairs
Evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
Correlate quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history—medications) to verify results
Perform additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results
Recognize abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and report 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
Comply with regulatory agency protocol (e.g., OSHA, etc.)
Participate in training new employees—clinical laboratory science students and medical students
Rotate to another section/shift as deemed necessary by management based on workload and staffing requirements
Assist supervisory personnel by retrieving and compiling test records and maintaining inventory by assessing needs—receiving supplies—and restocking areas
Work Schedule: Various tours available with rotating weekends and holidays
Compressed tour with second or third shift coverage—totaling 80 hours per pay period—may also be considered and negotiated
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov—the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more 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)
Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #:41025F - 41026F - 41027F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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