Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Total Rewards: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

*This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be on or about August 25 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position is filled.*

Duties include but not limited to:

• 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.
• Identifies discrepancies solves problems and presents solutions.
• Answers inquiries regarding test results methodology test specificity test sensitivity and specific factors which influence test results. 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.
• Prioritizes work according to urgency and turnaround time criteria.
• Complies with rules and standards of multiple regulatory and accreditation bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) College of American Pathologists (CAP) AABB FDA OSHA VHA P&LM National Enforcement Program etc.
• 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.
• Assists in the training of new employees affiliated Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MT/CLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) students other healthcare students or residents and volunteers.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students.
• Communicates and documents critical values according to established protocols.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education: A bachelors 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.

• 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.