U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 1 week ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Anchorage, AK
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$71K/yr - $128K/yr
1+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to manage laboratory testing and ensure quality control. The role involves evaluating specimens, performing tests, and maintaining laboratory equipment while adhering to safety protocols.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Schedule and prioritize laboratory testing to meet provider demands as well as to accommodate urgent testing requests
Evaluate requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimen for analysis - requesting new patient specimens as necessary if the original is determined unsatisfactory
Prepare reagents and primary reagent reference materials
Select - perform - evaluate - and monitor the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols
Calibrate - standardize - adjust - and maintain single and multi-channel laboratory analyzers
Perform quality control procedures on equipment - reagents - and products - and maintain proper records for quality control reports
Evaluate and recommend new tests to be incorporated into the laboratory testing menu
Confer with the Chief of Laboratory and pathologist to determine requirements for non-standard tests
Determine the validity of test results and the variations/dilutions required to acquire a satisfactory test result determination
Instruct providers - nursing staff and others in laboratory specimen requirements for specific laboratory tests
Work as a senior member of the laboratory testing team - assessing test result in relation to patient medical condition
Practice laboratory safety to reduce contamination and infection to patients - staff - and self
Maintain records and files of tests performed on patients
This includes patient logbooks - requisition and editing of patient test results
Properly identify patient specimen using two patient identifier requirements to ensure that mistaken identity of patient tests does not occur - and that the patient specimen and the request are identical
When collecting biological samples - the CLS must ask each patient to verbally confirm full name - DOB and/or social security number
Responsible for the inventory and stocking of all laboratory supplies and reagents
Operate highly sophisticated computer controlled multi-channel analyzers
Perform basic troubleshooting of laboratory analyzers including interacting with vendor technical staff in person or by telephone
Utilize computers for look up - accession - testing and verifying results in the Laboratory Information System
Consult with clinicians or review patient clinical history in the electronic medical record
Compare test results from other sections of the lab (Surgical Pathology - Chemistry - Hematology and Microbiology) to support observations
Refer cases to consulting Pathologists for critical review as appropriate
Use critical judgment in the evaluation of test discrepancies - taking appropriate action as detailed in test protocols
Interact with Reference Laboratories to schedule testing and transport of difficult-to-obtain samples (e.g. body fluids) to ensure timely sample delivery and appropriate testing
May also require direct interaction with clinical staff and patients to facilitate off-site testing (e.g. semen analysis - platelet function tests - etc.) Utilize critical judgment in subjective test areas and recognizes when changes or abnormalities may be critical to patient outcome
Correlate abnormal lab data with pathologic states - determine the validity of test results - and the need for additional tests
Responsible for maintaining the work area in a clean environment appropriate for the assigned section
Conduct training and instruction for new employees and students
Qualification
Required
Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
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
Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program within the last 5 years
Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must be accredited by the NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology)
16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry)
One course in mathematics
1 year of post-MLT certification clinical laboratory experience within the last 3 years
4 years of clinical laboratory experience within the last nine years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in a clinical laboratory
Completion of a 50-week U.S. Military MLT training program (with official certificate verifying completion of training) within the last 10 years
1 year full-time clinical laboratory experience within the last 10 years
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)
CLS must actively work to meet requirements for certification starting from the date of their placement into the occupation
At the time of appointment, the HR Office staff, in collaboration with the supervisor, will provide the employee with the written requirements for certification
Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment
If an employee fails to maintain the required certification, management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff, must immediately remove the employee from duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation
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
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
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)
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Funding
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Charles Worthington
Chief Technology Officer
Helga Rippen
Chief Interoperability and Veteran Access Officer
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