Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Muskogee, OK, 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 determines the award amount (up to $200 000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after complete review of the EDRP application.
Qualifications
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
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.
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Certification:
Generalist certification as an MLS (given by ASCP BOC or AMT).
Generalist certification as an MT (given by ASCP BOR 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.
Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A (as outlined on page 33 of the qualification standard) that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through 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 FPL.
Non‑certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted or 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 foreign credential evaluation.
Graduates of foreign baccalaureate programs meet the educational requirements if foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable agency that finds the degree equivalent to a NAACLS‑approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or the applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating eligibility to take the certification examination.
English language proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
Grade Determinations
GS‑07
– No additional criteria beyond the basic requirements.
GS‑09
– Must meet one of the following:
One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities
– In addition to experience or education, must demonstrate:
Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and 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.
GS‑11
– Must meet one of the following:
One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Must have at least three 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 experience or education, must demonstrate:
Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound independent work.
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and 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.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs. (straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending).
Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, hearing (aids permitted).
Must have clear high‑cognitive function and emotional stability.
Ability to read ordinary type without strain.
Duties
Work spans multiple laboratory disciplines – bacteriology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, blood banking, and urinalysis.
Monitoring quality control and aiding in patient diagnosis and treatment.
Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures – including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.
Perform advanced and complex laboratory procedures, recognize deviations from expected results, and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, taking into account physiological processes and requirements.
Maintain and document the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventive maintenance.
Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunctions.
Perform and document quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
Adhere to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and factors that influence test results.
Interpret results and suggest follow‑up test selection or procedures.
Evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
Communicate effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
Provide excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
Give direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
Conform to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials, and emergency management directives.
Perform other duties assigned depending on grade level.
Benefits and Compensation
Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm (with rotating weekends and holidays).
Pay: Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days of annual leave, plus 13 days of sick leave and 11 paid federal holidays); selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
Parental leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement.
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 eligible childcare costs (up to $416.66 per month).
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (five years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions; VA insurance includes health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal programs that can be carried into retirement.
Telework: Not available; this is a non‑virtual position.
Contact: V19RMNHRSBUMuskogee@va.gov – EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance.
#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 determines the award amount (up to $200 000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after complete review of the EDRP application.
Qualifications
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
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.
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Certification:
Generalist certification as an MLS (given by ASCP BOC or AMT).
Generalist certification as an MT (given by ASCP BOR 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.
Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A (as outlined on page 33 of the qualification standard) that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through 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 FPL.
Non‑certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted or 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 foreign credential evaluation.
Graduates of foreign baccalaureate programs meet the educational requirements if foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable agency that finds the degree equivalent to a NAACLS‑approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or the applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating eligibility to take the certification examination.
English language proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
Grade Determinations
GS‑07
– No additional criteria beyond the basic requirements.
GS‑09
– Must meet one of the following:
One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities
– In addition to experience or education, must demonstrate:
Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and 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.
GS‑11
– Must meet one of the following:
One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Must have at least three 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 experience or education, must demonstrate:
Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound independent work.
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and 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.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs. (straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending).
Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, hearing (aids permitted).
Must have clear high‑cognitive function and emotional stability.
Ability to read ordinary type without strain.
Duties
Work spans multiple laboratory disciplines – bacteriology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, blood banking, and urinalysis.
Monitoring quality control and aiding in patient diagnosis and treatment.
Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures – including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.
Perform advanced and complex laboratory procedures, recognize deviations from expected results, and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.
Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, taking into account physiological processes and requirements.
Maintain and document the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventive maintenance.
Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunctions.
Perform and document quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
Adhere to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and factors that influence test results.
Interpret results and suggest follow‑up test selection or procedures.
Evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
Communicate effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
Provide excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
Give direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
Conform to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardous materials, and emergency management directives.
Perform other duties assigned depending on grade level.
Benefits and Compensation
Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm (with rotating weekends and holidays).
Pay: Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days of annual leave, plus 13 days of sick leave and 11 paid federal holidays); selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience.
Parental leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement.
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 eligible childcare costs (up to $416.66 per month).
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (five years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions; VA insurance includes health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal programs that can be carried into retirement.
Telework: Not available; this is a non‑virtual position.
Contact: V19RMNHRSBUMuskogee@va.gov – EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr