Clinical Laboratory Scientist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, White City, OR, United States
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their 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 a complete review of the application.
Qualifications
Applicants pending 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
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director) – GS‑15 – requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements for that assignment below.
Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following – (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 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.
Such certifications are acceptable for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non‑section specific assignments (e.g., 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).
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade‑determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Professional Experience – Clinical Laboratory Scientist
GS‑07
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment: Serve in an entry‑level CLS position; expected to receive guidance and require daily direct supervision.
GS‑09
Experience or Education: Must meet one of the criteria below: (a) 1 year of comparable experience at the next lower grade; or (b) Master’s degree or 2 academic years of higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a related science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing; laboratory quality control and assurance principles; laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; teamwork; reading and interpreting written instructions; performing pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical phases accurately.
Assignment: Serve as a developmental CLS, responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating test results; demonstrate progression by handling various biological specimens and troubleshooting. Complex tasks are referred to more experienced staff as needed.
GS‑11
Experience or Education: (a) 1 year of comparable experience; or (b) 3 full years of graduate education or a Ph.D. in medical technology or a related science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced understanding of laboratory science principles, quality control and improvement principles, laboratory informatics, and instrument maintenance; ability to use independent technical judgment; strong communication and customer‑service skills.
Assignment: Considered FPL. Independently carries out day‑to‑day laboratory operations; develops, evaluates, correlates, and validates procedures in line with regulations; works across multiple specialties and may hold target responsibilities such as safety officer or new‑test specialist.
Preferred Experience: Minimum three years as a Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist, leadership roles preferred.
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 ranges from GS‑7 to GS‑11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
General Description: Considered FPL for a CLS. Independently carry out day‑to‑day laboratory operations and may be assigned to any division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
Perform full range of laboratory procedures in chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, microbiology/molecular, serology, and/or immunochemistry with minimal oversight.
Serve as an analyzer key operator, laboratory safety/biosafety officer, or be assigned functions of the quality management program.
Perform specimen collection and processing procedures when appropriate staffing is unavailable.
Schedule and prioritize testing to meet provider demands and urgent needs of the General Medicine/Urgent Care departments.
Evaluate requested procedures for specimen suitability and request new patient specimens if necessary.
Prepare reagents and primary reference materials; evaluate performance of reference materials prior to patient testing.
Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor non‑routine and specialized tests using manual and/or instrumental techniques following protocols.
Calibrate, standardize, adjust, and maintain single and multi‑channel laboratory analyzers; perform quality control procedures on equipment and reagents; maintain records.
Evaluate and recommend new tests for inclusion in the laboratory menu; confer with management for non‑standard tests.
Instruct providers, residents, nursing staff, and others on laboratory specimen requirements for specific tests.
Act as a senior member of the laboratory testing team; assess test results in relation to patient medical conditions.
Practice laboratory safety to reduce contamination and infection; use personal protective equipment and comply with safety policies.
Maintain records and files of tests performed; properly identify patient specimens using two‑identifier requirements; ensure correct specimen matching.
Manage inventory and stocking of all laboratory supplies and reagents; operate sophisticated computer‑controlled multi‑channel analyzers; troubleshoot basic analyzer issues.
Utilize LIS for accessioning, testing, and verifying results; review patient history and compare results across lab sections; refer cases to Pathologist or Service Chief as needed.
Use critical judgment to evaluate test discrepancies and take appropriate action; conduct training and instruction for new employees and students.
Work Schedule: 08:30–17:00.
Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible for incentive.
Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov – EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available.
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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their 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 a complete review of the application.
Qualifications
Applicants pending 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
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director) – GS‑15 – requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements for that assignment below.
Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following – (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 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.
Such certifications are acceptable for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non‑section specific assignments (e.g., 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).
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade‑determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Professional Experience – Clinical Laboratory Scientist
GS‑07
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment: Serve in an entry‑level CLS position; expected to receive guidance and require daily direct supervision.
GS‑09
Experience or Education: Must meet one of the criteria below: (a) 1 year of comparable experience at the next lower grade; or (b) Master’s degree or 2 academic years of higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a related science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing; laboratory quality control and assurance principles; laboratory equipment and routine maintenance; teamwork; reading and interpreting written instructions; performing pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical phases accurately.
Assignment: Serve as a developmental CLS, responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating test results; demonstrate progression by handling various biological specimens and troubleshooting. Complex tasks are referred to more experienced staff as needed.
GS‑11
Experience or Education: (a) 1 year of comparable experience; or (b) 3 full years of graduate education or a Ph.D. in medical technology or a related science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced understanding of laboratory science principles, quality control and improvement principles, laboratory informatics, and instrument maintenance; ability to use independent technical judgment; strong communication and customer‑service skills.
Assignment: Considered FPL. Independently carries out day‑to‑day laboratory operations; develops, evaluates, correlates, and validates procedures in line with regulations; works across multiple specialties and may hold target responsibilities such as safety officer or new‑test specialist.
Preferred Experience: Minimum three years as a Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist, leadership roles preferred.
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 ranges from GS‑7 to GS‑11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
General Description: Considered FPL for a CLS. Independently carry out day‑to‑day laboratory operations and may be assigned to any division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
Perform full range of laboratory procedures in chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, microbiology/molecular, serology, and/or immunochemistry with minimal oversight.
Serve as an analyzer key operator, laboratory safety/biosafety officer, or be assigned functions of the quality management program.
Perform specimen collection and processing procedures when appropriate staffing is unavailable.
Schedule and prioritize testing to meet provider demands and urgent needs of the General Medicine/Urgent Care departments.
Evaluate requested procedures for specimen suitability and request new patient specimens if necessary.
Prepare reagents and primary reference materials; evaluate performance of reference materials prior to patient testing.
Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor non‑routine and specialized tests using manual and/or instrumental techniques following protocols.
Calibrate, standardize, adjust, and maintain single and multi‑channel laboratory analyzers; perform quality control procedures on equipment and reagents; maintain records.
Evaluate and recommend new tests for inclusion in the laboratory menu; confer with management for non‑standard tests.
Instruct providers, residents, nursing staff, and others on laboratory specimen requirements for specific tests.
Act as a senior member of the laboratory testing team; assess test results in relation to patient medical conditions.
Practice laboratory safety to reduce contamination and infection; use personal protective equipment and comply with safety policies.
Maintain records and files of tests performed; properly identify patient specimens using two‑identifier requirements; ensure correct specimen matching.
Manage inventory and stocking of all laboratory supplies and reagents; operate sophisticated computer‑controlled multi‑channel analyzers; troubleshoot basic analyzer issues.
Utilize LIS for accessioning, testing, and verifying results; review patient history and compare results across lab sections; refer cases to Pathologist or Service Chief as needed.
Use critical judgment to evaluate test discrepancies and take appropriate action; conduct training and instruction for new employees and students.
Work Schedule: 08:30–17:00.
Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible for incentive.
Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov – EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available.
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