Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

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.

Duties

This job announcement has been extended until 09/28/2026. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties of the Clinical Laboratory Specialist - Microbiology include, but are not limited to: Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis and maintains specimen stability requirements. Participates in specimen procurement. Prepares reagents and primary reference materials, assembles equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine, non- routine and specialized test procedures using manual techniques and/or automated instruments in accordance with established protocols and regulations. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction, locates problem, and implements corrections; evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintains proper records for all quality control reports. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks. Identifies the cause of common problems with symptoms and makes necessary adjustments or repairs. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results. Undertakes specific laboratory responsibilities or specialized projects as delegated. Includes, but is not limited to, the role of a laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program, and result reviewer. Generates laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Assists in training new personnel, lower graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs (including classroom lectures when requested and bench instruction) in various areas of the laboratory (basic principles and practical application). Prepares continuing education for the service staff when requested. Supplements prescribed course content and instructional materials as necessary. Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory; notifies supervisor when supply levels reach 7 days or less. Maintains safety and cleanliness of laboratory. Follows all appropriate HIPP A guidelines. Works with management to assure laboratory compliance with regulatory agency requirements and guidelines. Maintains appropriate professional credentials and all required continuing education. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. 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 #: 564-01427-F, 564-01426-F, 564-01410-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. OR Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. OR 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. (a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of 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. (b) 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). (c) Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL. (d) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (e) Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard