Clinical Lab Scientist

Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, 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.

• The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) at this level perform more complex laboratory functions. Duties may include specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects such as laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, or quality control specialist . The CLS serves as working primarily in one of the major sections of the clinical laboratory with responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of (Chemistry, Immunology, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematology (blood bank), and Microbiology). These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The CLS will perform as an experienced phlebotomist. Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepare specimens for analysis, ensures that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlate quantitative data with the patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. 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 recorded into the computer system. Accepts and enters verbal blood product orders for provider when emergent condition exists in order to allow safety features of VBECs to provide and protect patient care without untoward delay of blood product assignment. The incumbent assists in the evaluation and implementation of new methodologies and instrumentation in the Laboratory. Independently performs statistical correlations between instrumentations or methodologies for all laboratory sections. Collaborates with the Lead Medical Technologist of the appropriate section on the implementation. Trains phlebotomist/technicians/technologists in the use of new procedures and instrumentation in the area he/she is covering. Trains students from the Medical Laboratory Technician program and Clinical Laboratory Scientists as needed. Helps with high schools that participate in the shadow program. Ensures activities associated with process improvement, customer service, data driven decision making, or team driven change are accomplished. Each employee will ensure they complete the current mandatory hours of continuing education. Responsible for maintaining the work area in a clean environment appropriate for the Section in which he/she is working. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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