Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

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.

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties of the Clinical Laboratory Specialist - Microbiology include, but are not limited to: Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis and maintains specimen stability requirements. Participates in specimen procurement. Prepares reagents and primary reference materials, assembles equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine, non- routine and specialized test procedures using manual techniques and/or automated instruments in accordance with established protocols and regulations. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction, locates problem, and implements corrections; evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintains proper records for all quality control reports. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks. Identifies the cause of common problems with symptoms and makes necessary adjustments or repairs. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results. Undertakes specific laboratory responsibilities or specialized projects as delegated. Includes, but is not limited to, the role of a laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program, and result reviewer. Generates laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Assists in training new personnel, lower graded personnel, and students from appropriate training programs (including classroom lectures when requested and bench instruction) in various areas of the laboratory (basic principles and practical application). Prepares continuing education for the service staff when requested. Supplements prescribed course content and instructional materials as necessary. Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory; notifies supervisor when supply levels reach 7 days or less. Maintains safety and cleanliness of laboratory. Follows all appropriate HIPP A guidelines. Works with management to assure laboratory compliance with regulatory agency requirements and guidelines. Maintains appropriate professional credentials and all required continuing education. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAFAVHRBUSINESSPARTNERS@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 #: 564-01427-F, 564-01426-F, 564-01410-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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