The employee is assigned complex, specialized duties beyond routine lab work. A higher-level understanding of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology & Serology testing is needed. The work performed may be in a variety of lab disciplines including those outside of Micro. Assignments may include but are not limited to test development, QA, maintenance, QC, create/review procedures, training/competency, & act as a subject matter expert in Microbiology and its subspecialties.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/14/2025. Basic Requirements: Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) English Language Proficiency - must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education Requirement - A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification - 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. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for all GS-12 assignments 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 Preferred Experience: Three or more years Microbiology OR Lead Tech experience. Experience with quality assurance and control programs (including IQCP), accreditation requirements and inspections, validations/implementations of new assays/instruments, and training/competency. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and light carrying (15-44 pounds), use of both hands and fingers, standing for 2-3 hours, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, mentally and emotionally stable, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception and ability to work with solvents. Frequent keyboarding and computer work required. Work Conditions may include but not limited to: The work involves regular recurring risk of discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory, e.g., working with irritant reagents.
The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) is a two-division campus located in Cincinnati, OH and Fort Thomas, KY serving 15 counties in Southwest OH, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana with 6 Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bellevue, KY; Florence, KY; Lawrenceburg, IN; Hamilton, OH; Clermont County, OH, and Georgetown, OH. The CVAMC also supports two off main campus locations in the Cincinnati area via an Eye Center and Mental Health Outreach Community Division. Assignments. These assignments require specialized training and experience and have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment. For all GS-12 assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time. Candidates at this grade level are in one of the following assignments. Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. 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. The duties and responsibilities of the Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation in Microbiology Bacteriology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology, Serology, Immunology, Molecular and Environmental Microbiology. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment in Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, Molecular Microbiology, or others as required. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction in these same departments. Assists the supervisor in creating new or modifying existing procedures as testing requirements change. Leads verifications and validations for new equipment, reagents, or tests brought into the department. Reports back to supervisor on progress and issues. Participates in quality assurance efforts by identifying quality improvement indicators for section operations. Develops a system to monitor indicators to effectively identify problem and/or potential problem areas. Recommends and implements corrective actions when indicated to improve patient care efforts of the P&LMS. Reviews regulatory compliance requirements (CAP checklists, Joint Commission standards, Patient Safety Goals) and works with the Microbiology supervisor to implement policies and procedures to assure compliance. Create any Individualized quality control plans (IQCP), as needed and applicable. Monitors and screens all Microbiology orders for appropriateness, using established criteria and requiring an understanding of disease entities and/or clinical situations. Organizes and prepares training and competency of staff including initial, semiannual, and annual for all department testing. Evaluates the validity of statistical data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic and morphologic data with other laboratory and/or other patient information to verify results. Performs additional tests as per department's protocol, to certify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports via computer and telephone. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures for all departments in the laboratory. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm - including rotating weekends and holidays - 7:00am - 3:30pm; Schedule subject to change to meet the needs of the agency. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not require Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist/PD927660 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: None