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USAJOBS · 2 months ago

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical) - Microbiology

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$106K/yr - $138K/yr

5+ years exp

The Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Microbiology. The role involves overseeing patient specimen testing, coordinating training, and providing expert consultation on complex laboratory tests.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Oversee/performs all elements of patient specimen testing per established SOPs. Knowledgeable of microbiology and molecular testing methods and CLSI standards

Coordinates training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty area. Performs competencies as required to meet regulations in accordance with the competency SOP

Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. Examples are, but not limited to, molecular/DNA testing, bone marrow examination and culture, genetic testing

With the pre-approval of the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist, conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation

Manages inventory, ordering and receipt of supplies for the appropriate laboratory specialty area

Coordinates and monitors the elements of the section quality assurance policy to include the Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP) (Risk Assessment, Quality Control Plan, Quality Assessment) for the work area to meet regulatory and accreditation requirements

Performs semiannual correlation studies on instrumentation, when applicable

Establishes reference ranges. Validates procedures and equipment

Assists in investigation of complaints from hospital staff concerning test results

Performs/ensures proficiency surveys are completed by assigned due dates. Completes all documentation, review of results and submits timely

Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses

Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing

Participates in departmental process improvement and High Reliability Organization (HRO) projects prior approval from the Chief of Pathology & Laboratory Services/Laboratory Director

Attends regularly scheduled meetings, such as assigned departmental Daily Huddles, Weekly Meetings with Departmental Medical Director, PLMS Departmental Meetings, applicable Laboratory Director delegated meetings (i.e., Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee), and other approved meetings

Conducts preparation for external reviews (The Joint Commission, Office of Inspector General, College of American Pathologists etc.) by reviewing regulatory, licensing, and accrediting agency requirements for compliance within the work area

Qualification

MicrobiologyMolecular testingClinical Laboratory ScienceASCP certificationLaboratory quality assuranceInstructional techniquesTechnical directionProblem-solvingCommunication skills

Required

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

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

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)

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university

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

One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments

Knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, medico-legal requirements, and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests

Knowledge of instructional techniques to instruct newly hired clinical laboratory scientists and clinical pathology residents in proper performance of tests and applications of laboratory procedures

Knowledge of one or more advanced clinical laboratory functions

Skill to apply new scientific/technical developments to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations

Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of a clinical laboratory

Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of the specific laboratory section

Preferred

Minimum of 5 years of Microbiology readout experience

Benefits

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program

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)

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)