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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 22 hours ago

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$67K/yr - $129K/yr

1+ years exp

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in Microbiology. The role involves performing a broad range of laboratory procedures, including advanced and complex laboratory tasks, while ensuring quality control and adherence to biosafety regulations.

GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety

Comp. & Benefits

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 maintenanceTechnical judgmentCustomer serviceTeamworkCommunication skillsProblem-solving

Required

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

Exception for Non-Certified: 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 VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G24 that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency

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)

Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL

Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained

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 for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-07: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09: 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

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11: 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

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)