Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Performs the full range of laboratory testing duties listed at the full performance level including duty on weekends and holidays.
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 the Supervisor in modifying existing procedures as new tests are brought on board and as testing requirements change. Ensures that Document Control is up to date.
Participates in quality assurance efforts by indicating quality improvement indicators. Develops a system to monitor indicators and recommends/implements corrective actions when indicated. Gathers information for monthly Quality Assurance monitors. Uses statistical programs to measure acceptability.
Reviews regulatory requirements for CAP, JCAHO, FDA, OSHA and AABB to ensure compliance. Performs all needed maintenance and testing to ensure compliance to include, but not limited to pipette and balance maintenance, Analytical Measurement ranges, Reference Range studies, linearity studies and monthly reviews of charts.
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
Performs duties as the Contract Officer Representative for the department and accepts invoices in the IPPS system.
In the absence of the Supervisor, assigns, directs and reviews the work of other Clinical laboratory scientists in the department.
Communicates effectively, professionally and courteously verbally and in writing. Gives direction and guidance using principles of laboratory testing.
Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation. Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation. Is responsible for validation/ method verification of new instrumentation as it is brought on board.
Identifies training needs and provides appropriate training and competency as delegated by the Director of PALMS. Performs retraining as needed.
Maintains documentation of supplies and inventory and ensures that all new lots of reagents are labeled properly and tested for acceptability.
Acts as a liaison to other departments and represents the laboratory in meetings.
Incumbent works with supervisor to arrive at solutions that minimizes organizational disruption on any job-related issues.
Readily accepts additional authority and responsibility during brief periods where immediate supervisor is away from the work site that assists the medical center to maintain consistent operations.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
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.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
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.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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 in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.).
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403(f).
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.