U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 7 hours ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist)
Nashville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$124K/yr - $161K/yr
1+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist) to serve in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The role involves providing expert advice and consultation on complex and unique tests, managing implementation of new equipment and procedures, and training staff and students within the assigned area.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Provides expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult - complex - unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge
Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing - including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context
Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing
Develops policies - precedents - regulatory - licensing - and accrediting requirements to establish - monitor - and maintain the specialized testing
Manages implementation of new equipment and procedures to include validation studies and writing operating procedures
Assumes responsibility for training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned
Works as a bench Clinical Laboratory Scientist as needed and performs duties specifically assigned to FPL CLS's in the section
Qualification
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
Foreign Education: To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency - and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program OR Submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
Certification: Must possess one of the below certifications 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
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 GS-12 level: Experience - 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-11) - which is directly related to the position to be filled
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
Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 4 hours), standing (up to 4 hours), repeated bending (up to 2 hours), intermittent - but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling, ability to distinguish basic colors, near vision correctable at 13" to 16", ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens, ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise, working closely with others, high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy, emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations, ability to wear required personal protective equipment as required
Benefits
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
Paid Time Off: 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)
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)
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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