Clinical Lab Scientist

Clinical Lab Scientist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Reno, Nevada

Salary Range: $101061 - $131373 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 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.

Major Duties:

• Major duties include, but are not limited to: Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. Use independent technical judgement to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Greets / identifies patients; secures and accessions appropriate laboratory orders and requests written follow-up / 'read back' for verbal orders from ordering personnel; performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients; and labels specimen containers per accreditation agency standards / SOP. Utilizes available resources to independently resolve questions regarding specimen collection, handling, processing, and shipping requirements. Ensures phlebotomy supplies are adequate and re-stocked as necessary. Performs POC testing as needed and provides lab consultation for external POC testing resolution. Evaluates specimen suitability for analysis, requesting new specimen (or recollection) if necessary. Documents specimen rejections and corrective actions according to lab SOP. Logs in all acceptable specimens received into the appropriate accession areas during preanalytical phase of processing. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of specimen and correct identity of patient with sample is maintained (includes reference lab and surgical / pathology samples). Follows all applicable regulations when preparing specimens for commercial transport systems (DOT / IATA/USPS/Private courier/ VA Driver). Maintains current knowledge of transportation regulations by participating in continuing education as available to ensure active certification for specimen shipping / transport. Assesses specimens for additional laboratory testing orders and performs additional lab testing as indicated. Assures that all specimens are processed in a timely and efficient manner with a minimum number of errors that require corrective action and/or follow up by other technologists. Prepares and handles reagents and reference materials (standards, calibrators, reagents, controls, survey samples) per the manufacturer's instructions. Performs testing in accordance with established laboratory SOP's. Utilizes section specific LIS programs to document testing actions performed. Reviews and inputs reference test results and incorporates appropriate clinical interpretive comments into the test result. Work Schedule: Tour to be discussed during the interview process. Telework: Not eligibility Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:07400F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact ???????V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Qualifications: Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11 Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (b) Education. 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. (c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. (d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. (f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. (g) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work demands long hours standing and walking. Bending, twisting, and carrying light items is necessary to carry out duties.

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 01/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12853600. 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: 2026-01-09