Clinical Lab Scientist-Chemistry

Clinical Lab Scientist-Chemistry

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Miami, Florida

Salary Range: $94410 - $122727 Per Year

Job Summary: 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.

Major Duties:

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf The Clinical Laboratory Scientist assigned to the chemistry department performs a standardized variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, special chemistry, toxicology, urinalysis, and infectious immunology procedures, both manual and automated, including complex analysis and special tests; evaluating abnormal results; using and maintaining specialized and highly sensitive clinical chemistry laboratory equipment; performing, evaluating and monitoring quality control procedures. Duties includes but is not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory scientist occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Performs and calculates results for a variety of tests such as Creatinine Clearance, free PSA Ratios, Therapeutics Drugs, Tumor Markers, cardiac Markers, Glycated Hemoglobin, body fluids, spinal fluids, Drugs of Abuse, Hepatitis Antigens and Antibodies, Proteins electrophoresis (CSF, Serum Proteins and urine), Immunofixation for oligoclonal banding (CSF and Serum), Hemoglobin electrophoresis, Hemoglobin A2 and Hemoglobin F quantitation, urines and routine chemistry and immunochemistry. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations n test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems and presents solutions for all testing performed. 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. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures, correlates quantitative data with 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. Documents critical values and perform read back. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM with rotating weekend and Holidays. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , 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. 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) Functional Statement #:30620f Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education-Transcripts Submitted. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification-Documentation Submitted (if applicable). (1) 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. 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). REFERENCE: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644 Grade DeterminationsGS-11: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11: (1) Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:(a) Experience- (SF-50 Submitted- if applicable). 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (b) Education-Transcript Supplied. 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.(2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. (3) Assignment. This is considered FPL for a CLS. A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include 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. This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing. These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action. This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner. Preferred Experience: Previous experience in Chemistry as a Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644The full performance level of this vacancy is 11 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of to 11. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping), walking, frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear high cognitive functional and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/28/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12807367. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-28