Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Asct, Albany, NY, 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.
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:
(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
Certification: 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
Grade Determinations – In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑11 – Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the following criteria
(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
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – In addition to the experience 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 – One year CLS/MLS experience preferred
Reference – For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements – See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional – This position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of the Albany VA Medical Center in Albany – NY
Functions as Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
CLS at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results
Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision
The generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above‑mentioned areas
They also work off‑hour shifts – weekends – and holidays as priority demonstrates a need
The duties and responsibilities of the CLS – Generalist – include but are not limited to the following:
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS occupation
Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
Recognizes deviation from expected results
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment
Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement
Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions
Answers inquiries regarding test results – methodology – test specificity – test sensitivity – and specific factors which influence test results
Interprets results and suggests follow‑up test selection or procedures
Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment – method comparison – and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
Interprets findings and makes recommendations
Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in‑service/continuing education program
Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers – patients – and others)
Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies' standards and requirements
Assesses ongoing day‑to‑day compliance with established protocols and guidelines – maintaining awareness and compliance with all applicable regulatory standards
Any other duties needed to help fulfill patient care
Work Schedule: Varies – Intermittent Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized - Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized - EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
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 #: 11958F – Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
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:
(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
Certification: 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
Grade Determinations – In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑11 – Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the following criteria
(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
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – In addition to the experience 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 – One year CLS/MLS experience preferred
Reference – For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements – See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional – This position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of the Albany VA Medical Center in Albany – NY
Functions as Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
CLS at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results
Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision
The generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above‑mentioned areas
They also work off‑hour shifts – weekends – and holidays as priority demonstrates a need
The duties and responsibilities of the CLS – Generalist – include but are not limited to the following:
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS occupation
Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
Recognizes deviation from expected results
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment
Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement
Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions
Answers inquiries regarding test results – methodology – test specificity – test sensitivity – and specific factors which influence test results
Interprets results and suggests follow‑up test selection or procedures
Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment – method comparison – and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
Interprets findings and makes recommendations
Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in‑service/continuing education program
Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers – patients – and others)
Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies' standards and requirements
Assesses ongoing day‑to‑day compliance with established protocols and guidelines – maintaining awareness and compliance with all applicable regulatory standards
Any other duties needed to help fulfill patient care
Work Schedule: Varies – Intermittent Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized - Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized - EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
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 #: 11958F – Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr