Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location(s): Crown Point, Indiana
Salary Range: $92553 - $120313 Per Year
Job Summary: The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is located at the Adam Benjamin Jr. Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic at 9301 Madison Street, Crown Point, IN 46307.
Major Duties:
- This is considered full performance level (FPL) for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (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 including, but not limited to, Hematology, Chemistry, lmmunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry. A CLS is responsible for performing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing. 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 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. Major Duties: - Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training on the operation of new test systems. - Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed. - Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services. - Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results. - Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements. - Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results. - Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems. - Monitors and maintains inventory including reagents, calibrators, quality control, etc. - Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient. - Provides technical advice to staff and other health care members. - Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable. - Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. - Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NMCLS-accredited CLS Program. Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday- Friday; 8:30AM-5PM Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 06376F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. 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: Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED): 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. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Grade Determinations: Must meet one of the criteria below. Experience: Must have at least one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9). OR, Education. Must have three (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. GS-11 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. Preferred Experience: Generalist Preferred. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
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 12/26/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12843955. 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: 2025-12-26