U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 20 hours ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$93K/yr - $120K/yr
1+ years expU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to work at the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs. The role involves independently managing laboratory operations, ensuring accuracy in testing procedures, and maintaining quality control while collaborating with healthcare professionals.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
This is considered full performance level (FPL) for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory
The CLS develops - performs - evaluates - interprets - correlates - and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements
The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties including - but not limited to - Hematology - Chemistry - lmmunohematology (Blood Bank) - Microbiology - Immunology - Cytogenetics - Anatomic Pathology - Electron Microscopy - Molecular Diagnostics - and Flow Cytometry
A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing
Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods
In addition to routine testing - the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting
The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states - determines the validity of test results - and the need for additional tests
Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer - analyzer specialist - primary operator on new test systems - quality control specialist - supply control - and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment proficiency/survey program
This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility - including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision
The CLS assesses a situation - considers the options - and formulates an appropriate course of action
This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures - collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients - and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional - courteous - and effective manner
Major Duties: - Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training on the operation of new test systems
Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed
Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services
Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results
Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements
Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity - interference - sensitivity - and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results
Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems
Monitors and maintains inventory including reagents - calibrators - quality control - etc
Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient
Provides technical advice to staff and other health care members
Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable
Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988
Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NMCLS-accredited CLS Program
Qualification
Required
Must be a US Citizen
Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f)
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Candidates must meet one of the certification options below: (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT, (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT, (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
Must have at least one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9) OR Must have three (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 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
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Welcome to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Official LinkedIn page.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Charles Worthington
Chief Technology Officer
Helga Rippen
Chief Interoperability and Veteran Access Officer
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