Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Night Shift

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

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The Lead CLS is responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance. Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Performs waived and nonwaived testing on a variety of clinical biological specimens using manual or automated techniques.

Lead Clinical Lab Scientist duties may include, but not limited to the following:

• Orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs.
• Coordinating daily activity of the lab section(s).
• Writing or modifying technical procedures.
• Providing technical instruction
• Ensuring that policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are followed.
• Advising on course of action to follow when results or samples obtained are unacceptable, and coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities.
• Solves complex problems related to generalist bench rotation coverage, performs complex maintenance procedures, may attend vendor training for an analytical instrument, is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting, has responsibility for instrument reagent management program, and is able to recognize system failures that may lead to erroneous results.
• Coordinates training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty area.
• Provides effective and professional training to newly hired CLS staff, students, and other clinical staff on the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical laboratory specialties and in unique handling of specimens and testing procedures. Stays abreast of new developments and changes in the profession.
• Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Responsible for review of quality control and problem resolution in assigned department.
• Assists in investigation of complaints from hospital staff concerning test results.
• Oversees the operation of assigned department by coordinating technologist assignments assuring that all workload and maintenance is completed in a timely manner. Assigns and prioritizes work based on workload and requirements of assignment.
• Aids supervisor with the development, implementation, and reassessment of the testing personnel competency program.
• Assists supervisor with departmental needs for laboratory accreditation and serves as the point-of-contact for regulatory inspections.
• Oversees the daily work of Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs Title Hybrid 38 and Title 5 phlebotomists), as directed.
• Prepares reports, maintains records, administrative information, and presents work-related information to supervisor.Researches qualitative and quantitative methods in the appropriate laboratory specialty area. Performs statistical analysis on quality control and quality assurance monitors.
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation and/or assays. Oversight of instrumentation and equipment to ensure correct performance. Troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment problems during the shift to ensure uninterrupted testing.
• Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation.Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results.
• Performs all assigned duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as VHA National Enforcement Office (NEO), OIG, FDA, CAP, TJC, AABB, EPA, and OSHA.
• Assist in the investigation, corrective actions, and record/document retention of FDA Manufacturer instruments/reagents' recall.Initiate and assist the section supervisor in Laboratory Process Improvement activities and/or audits.
• Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty area.

Work Schedule: Night Shift Orlando VAMC (Lake Nona)- Monday-Friday: 10:00pm to 6:00am or 11:00pm to 7:00am with rotating weekends/Holidays and extended hours. May need to work extended hours coverage based on facility needs.

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 80315F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Education-Transcripts Submitted. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Certification-Documentation Supplied - 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.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12.

• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
  • Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
  • Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
  • Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
  • Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
  • Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results.

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).

Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:

• Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
• If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted.
• Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
• Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
• Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

NOTE: This provision is not intended to regularize appointments / placements.

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.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of clinical laboratory experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist.
• Expertise in conducting and overseeing laboratory tests across multiple disciplines, including hematology, microbiology, chemistry, coagulation and urinalysis.
• Proven ability to mentor, train, and provide guidance to laboratory staff, ensuring high standards of performance and efficiency.
• Strong experience in troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment and resolving technical issues.
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes, accreditation standards (e. g., CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission), and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and optimize laboratory procedures for improved workflow and accuracy.
• Effective leadership and communication skills to collaborate with healthcare professionals, manage laboratory operations, and support decision-making.
• Experience managing inventory, ordering supplies, and coordinating resources for smooth laboratory function.
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems Vista and CPRS.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12 .

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.