Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Regional Technical Specialist)

Summary

This position serves as VA's Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP) Program Manager, providing national expertise in laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, workload reporting, and data systems. Develops LMIP policies and procedures, advises VA leadership, oversees workload data integrity and reporting, analyzes trends and technology, and supports national cost, staffing, and resource standards.

Duties

This announcement will close on 10/14/2026. The first 50 applications received will receive first consideration. Applications that are submitted after the initial cut-off number has been reached will not receive consideration unless otherwise requested by management. Major Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as the national Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP) Program Manager, providing program leadership, technical expertise, and oversight for laboratory workload management, coding, and reporting activities across VA. Maintains and manages national LMIP database tables, laboratory test codes, and related reference data, ensuring updates are accurate, timely, and aligned with national coding and terminology standards. Develops, implements, and maintains national policies, procedures, guidance, and reference materials for laboratory workload capture, coding, data integrity, productivity reporting, and program operations. Provides authoritative technical consultation and troubleshooting assistance to VA laboratories on LMIP coding and reporting, workload capture, pathology productivity, laboratory information systems, and related operational issues. Analyzes laboratory workload, coding, productivity, and program data to identify discrepancies, trends, and performance issues and develops recommendations and corrective actions to improve program effectiveness. Coordinates national laboratory coding and workload activities with VA laboratories, Managerial Cost Accounting (MCA), program offices, and external reporting entities to promote standardized, accurate, and compliant data collection and reporting. Serves as a subject-matter expert on laboratory workload capture, coding, data integrity, quality, accreditation, and management analysis, participating in national studies, program evaluations, and development of standards and procedures. Advises program leadership on emerging issues, policy concerns, operational risks, staffing, and resource requirements, developing action plans and recommendations to support national laboratory program objectives and mission requirements. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:00-04:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: This position may be authorized for ad hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Ad hoc is defined as occasional, non-recurring telework. Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual Work. Virtual Work eligibility is for current VA employees that are already subject to the return to in person work mandate in their current position. Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space. Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandates are in effect and selectees will be required to report to in-person work unless they are approved for an exception or an exemption. Any approval for an RTO exception, exemption, or extension will happen after a tentative job offer, but before a final job offer. Functional Statement #: 73572-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). 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 (Regional Technical Specialist) GS-13 Experience- One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-13 assignments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- In addition to the requirements above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, concepts, principles, and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating, and evaluating laboratory services. (B) Knowledge of compliance requirements sufficient to provide direction for complex diagnostic testing. (C) Knowledge of laboratory information systems to accomplish diagnostic laboratory work and quality assurance. (D) Skill in evaluating, interpreting, and teaching others to use quality control procedures to monitor variables that affect quality of services and implement corrective actions. (E) Ability to apply laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. (F) Ability to develop new test procedures and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Assignment- The CLS serves as a recognized expert and provides consultative services to management at all levels of the organization advising on various aspects of specialized testing, coordinating VISN or multi-facility specialized services including, but not limited to, quality management or laboratory information management (this list is not all-inclusive). The CLS develops new policies and procedures, conducts studies, recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area, and creates and applies re-engineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives. The CLS analyzes emerging trends, technology, and adopts appropriate methods. The CLS identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique/controversial aspects of testing where no direct precedent exists. Preferred Experience: Experience managing laboratory workload programs such as the Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP); applying advanced knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, regulatory requirements, and laboratory governance; and performing complex laboratory coding and mapping using CPT, LOINC, and National Laboratory Test Codes (NLT). Experience analyzing and troubleshooting workload, coding, data integrity, and productivity reporting; developing national policies, procedures, guidance, and training materials; coordinating with VA laboratories, VISNs, and national program offices; and analyzing laboratory data to support program and leadership decisions. Preferred candidates also possess experience with laboratory information and analytics systems, accreditation and regulatory requirements, program planning, and communicating complex technical information to diverse stakeholders and senior leadership. 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.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.