Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About this role

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. Education: Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options: (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 to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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-07: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-09: Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR 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.

Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. GS-11: 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.