Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Asct, Fayetteville, AR, 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
Education
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Certification
Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
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 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)
Exception for Non-Certified
Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 4 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
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)
Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level
Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
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 The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
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
OR Education
Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
Assignment
An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS
Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (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 - 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
OR 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: (a)Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work.(b)Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
(c)Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
(d)Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
(e)Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
(f)Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
(g)Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
Preferred Experience: Preferred experience will be determined by the service for the location in which you apply and will be discussed at the interview
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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Duties
NOTE: Starting and ending salaries will vary based on location requested
Minimum salary will be the lowest step 1 salary of the applicable pay tables and max will be the highest step 10 salary rate of the pay tables
This is an open continuous announcement
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available
Applications will remain on file until April 30 - 2026
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Using their comprehensive knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts and theories to produce sound independent work
Applying their comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles to consistently manage quality control - process improvements - inventories and documentation in laboratory operations
Properly collecting - handling - accessioning and labeling specimens according to safety - patient identification and infection control policies
Evaluating the suitability and preparation of specimens for analysis - maintaining seamless identification - preserving the viability of the specimen and ensuring uniformity is maintained
Recognizing abnormal results that require follow up testing - confirming accuracy of abnormal results and communicating to clinic care providers effectively
Recognizing and reacting to indicators of malfunction and implementing corrections
Conducting quality control procedures for processes including equipment - reagents and products
Assisting in covering technical and phlebotomy work areas during staffing shortages
Comprehending and respecting accreditation standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) - the Joint Commission (TJC) - Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB)
Performing and advising ancillary testing operators of proficiency testing (PT) processes
Communicating - consulting - and interacting with laboratory patients - clinical staff - facility 'customers' - vendors - private care offices - and all patient care teams
Performing laboratory work according to the safety standards - precautions and awareness required to work in a bio-hazard area with flammable and reactive chemicals
This announcement is being used to fill a variety of positions across 8 Veterans Affairs Medical facilities located in Alexandria - LA - Biloxi - MS - Fayetteville - AR - Houston - TX - Jackson - MS - Little Rock - AR New Orleans - LA - and Shreveport - LA
Applicants may select the location(s) they wish to be considered in the application
Exact duties and expectations will be discussed during the interview process
Work Schedule: Work schedules may vary based on the location requested and needs of the service
Tour of duty is subject to change based on the needs of the facility
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
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 #: Will vary based on the location selected 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.
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
Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
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 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)
Exception for Non-Certified
Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 4 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
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)
Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level
Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
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 The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
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
OR Education
Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
Assignment
An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS
Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (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 - 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
OR 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: (a)Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work.(b)Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
(c)Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
(d)Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
(e)Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
(f)Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
(g)Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
Preferred Experience: Preferred experience will be determined by the service for the location in which you apply and will be discussed at the interview
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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Duties
NOTE: Starting and ending salaries will vary based on location requested
Minimum salary will be the lowest step 1 salary of the applicable pay tables and max will be the highest step 10 salary rate of the pay tables
This is an open continuous announcement
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available
Applications will remain on file until April 30 - 2026
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Using their comprehensive knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts and theories to produce sound independent work
Applying their comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles to consistently manage quality control - process improvements - inventories and documentation in laboratory operations
Properly collecting - handling - accessioning and labeling specimens according to safety - patient identification and infection control policies
Evaluating the suitability and preparation of specimens for analysis - maintaining seamless identification - preserving the viability of the specimen and ensuring uniformity is maintained
Recognizing abnormal results that require follow up testing - confirming accuracy of abnormal results and communicating to clinic care providers effectively
Recognizing and reacting to indicators of malfunction and implementing corrections
Conducting quality control procedures for processes including equipment - reagents and products
Assisting in covering technical and phlebotomy work areas during staffing shortages
Comprehending and respecting accreditation standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) - the Joint Commission (TJC) - Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB)
Performing and advising ancillary testing operators of proficiency testing (PT) processes
Communicating - consulting - and interacting with laboratory patients - clinical staff - facility 'customers' - vendors - private care offices - and all patient care teams
Performing laboratory work according to the safety standards - precautions and awareness required to work in a bio-hazard area with flammable and reactive chemicals
This announcement is being used to fill a variety of positions across 8 Veterans Affairs Medical facilities located in Alexandria - LA - Biloxi - MS - Fayetteville - AR - Houston - TX - Jackson - MS - Little Rock - AR New Orleans - LA - and Shreveport - LA
Applicants may select the location(s) they wish to be considered in the application
Exact duties and expectations will be discussed during the interview process
Work Schedule: Work schedules may vary based on the location requested and needs of the service
Tour of duty is subject to change based on the needs of the facility
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
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 #: Will vary based on the location selected Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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