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USAJOBS · 23 hours ago

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

Houston, Texas, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$67K/yr - $129K/yr

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Microbiology. The role involves performing a broad range of laboratory procedures, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring quality control and assurance in testing processes.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; 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

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

Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement

Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions

Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures

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

Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program

Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing

Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines

Qualification

MLS certificationMT certificationMicrobiology knowledgeLaboratory quality controlLaboratory equipment maintenanceStatistical analysisTeamworkCommunication skillsProblem-solving

Required

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

Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation

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

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 in accordance with 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

Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT

Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT

Experience: None beyond the basic requirements

Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade

OR Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing

Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance

Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments

Ability to read and interpret written instructions

Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing

Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level

OR Education: Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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

Preferred

Comprehensive knowledge of professional Clinical Laboratory Scientist principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work

Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement providing for sound independent work

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation

Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret Microbiology/Molecular laboratory results

Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions

Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education

Benefits

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

37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

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

Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)