This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: (1) 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). 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:(1) 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(2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. 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 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 be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. 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: 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: (a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, OR (b) Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. 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. (f) 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. 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 Experience (GS-11): Minimum 2 years' experience as a Generalist General Knowledge in performing validations ASCP or AMT Certification Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate Carrying, 15-44 pounds Straight Pulling, .5 hours Pushing, .5 hours Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers, 8 hours Both hands required Walking, 4.0 hours Standing, 4.0 hours Repeated bending, .25 hours Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Sitting, 4 hours Mental & Emotional Stability
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional GS-11 Functions as a fully independent laboratory professional with minimal direct oversight. Reports to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Laboratory Manager. Works collaboratively with other laboratory staff to maintain continuous operations. Major Duties: Independently performs a wide range of diagnostic tests in clinical areas such as chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, immunology, microbiology, and transfusion medicine. Interprets, evaluates, and verifies test results using scientific knowledge and clinical judgment. Conducts routine and specialized quality control procedures; maintains equipment and resolves instrument issues. Ensures all work complies with federal laboratory standards and regulatory requirements. Assists with staff training, quality improvement initiatives, and laboratory computer systems. Communicates effectively with healthcare providers regarding test methods, limitations, and results. Call Requirements: Works rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overnight hours. Participates in on-call coverage and may be required to travel to other facilities for temporary support. Scope of Position: This is a full performance level role requiring deep expertise in clinical laboratory science. The position has a direct impact on patient care through the delivery of accurate and timely laboratory data. Responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting education and innovation within the laboratory. Scope: Full performance level position requiring expert knowledge of clinical lab science. Plays a key role in patient diagnosis and treatment by ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable lab results. Engages in cross-disciplinary collaboration, compliance efforts, and ongoing education initiatives. GS-09 Intermediate-level developmental position. Works under general supervision but with increasing independence. Receives guidance from senior staff as needed. Major Duties: Performs routine to moderately complex lab tests across multiple disciplines. Conducts quality control procedures, prepares and evaluates specimens, and operates laboratory equipment. Begins to troubleshoot common issues and initiates basic corrective actions. Helps orient new staff and participates in training and process improvement efforts. Maintains accurate records, enters test results, and monitors lab supply levels. Call Requirements: May work variable shifts, including weekends and holidays, under supervision. Supports staffing needs in other areas as directed but does not lead or manage workflow. Scope of Position: Functions as a developing laboratory professional capable of handling most standard tasks. Gains deeper knowledge of clinical testing, regulatory compliance, and quality systems. Prepares the individual for more advanced roles with greater autonomy and decision-making authority. GS-07 Entry-level trainee position. Works under close, daily supervision with frequent guidance from senior laboratory staff and supervisors. Work Schedule: 00:00-08:00 M-F, rotating weekends/holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53952 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized