Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

• This position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System. The incumbent functions as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Castle Point Campus primarily in the anatomic pathology/histology section. Experience with embedding, cutting with a microtome, and staining are highly preferred. The applicant should have experience with various staining methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical staining procedures and collaboration with pathologists. Duties include but are not limited to: Preparing and analyzing tissue samples for microscopic examination, fixing them in formalin, embedding them in paraffin wax, and sectioning them into thin slices using a microtome, and mounting them onto glass slides. The incumbent uses their comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology, principles, practices, concepts, and theories to produce sound independent work. Properly collects, handles, accessions, and labels specimens according to safety, patient identification, and infection control policies. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiological processes and requirements. Instructs CBOC staff on laboratory procedures according to written standard operating procedures, directives, and handbooks. Conducts quality control procedures for processes including equipment, reagents, and products. Maintains quality control data in format designed for eParticipates in writing standard operating procedures for a variety of users. Uses extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory scientist profession to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions and procedures. - Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction and implements corrections. Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results, analyzer messages/flags, and incongruous data. Develops protocols for new instruments including writing procedures and establishing protocols for running testing platforms, instruments, and analyzers. Includes development of quality control for test methods, calculating the mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) to determine clinical significance. Operates a variety of instruments and analyzers. Uses knowledge and training to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and performs regular maintenance on instruments. Contacts "Field Service" or "Technical Hotline" when necessary to continue problem solving. Participates in laboratory proficiency testing program and reports all errors without exception associated with the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic testing. Fully participates in process improvement and High Reliability Organization initiatives and patient safety requirements. Takes an active role in on-line data entry for PT results. Assists in covering technical work areas when there is shortage of staff. Assists in the orientation and training of new lab employees, clinical staff, and students. Accepts referrals of any questions or observations from less experienced lab personnel. Participates in training activities associated with team building, customer service, age specific considerations, organization-wide support, data driven decision-making, and progressive change. Comprehends and respects accreditation standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Joint Commission (TJC). Takes an active role in TJC readiness, and VA on-the-spot inspections and surveys. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as College of American Pathologist (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Federal Drugs administration (FDA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the VA National Enforcement Office (NEO) and VHA Directive 1106.1. Assists in preparing the lab for regulatory and accreditation inspections. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. 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. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 14687F, 14688F, 14689F

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