Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Orlando, Florida

Salary Range: $86710 - $112729 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 & 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:

• The Orlando VA Healthcare System is looking for an experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join their Hematology Section at the main Hospital Medical Center Facility. The CLSs at Full Performance Level (FPL) works independently on any assigned tour of duty. 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 incumbent is a qualified, experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) who performs waived and nonwaived testing on a variety of clinical biological specimens using manual or automated techniques. The incumbent is responsible for the pre-analytical, analytical, and post­analytical specimen testing phases of a complexity index group 1 a laboratory at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (HCS). Duties include but not limited to: Has knowledge of and ability to collect samples appropriate for the tests requested by the physician using the correct preservatives, anticoagulants, collection intervals and/or times, and patient condition(s) by following approved policy and procedure. The CLS may perform venipunctures, or capillary punctures, or may assist in bone marrow or other specimen collections. Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Assigns priority to test requests and executes them expeditiously for use in critical care situations. Perform specimen processing, aliquoting, preservation, and receiving specimens delivered to the main laboratory collected in-house (inpatient/outpatient), or collected at the OPCs and CBOC's, ensuring patient identification is verified and maintained. Assist in reference testing (send out), lab specimen collections/receiving, laboratory specimen preservation, processing, and submit and ship specimens to approved reference laboratory and report reference laboratories, as assigned or when required. The CLS is primary operator of multiple test systems. Assist the section's Lead CLS and/or Supervisory CLS in new test systems validations/verifications, method correlations, linearities/AMR verifications, establishment of normal reference ranges, among other studies as mandated by accrediting agencies. Performs a broad range advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Performs steps of analysis for a full range of standard, routine, and specialized tests; selects appropriate method/instrument; performs instrument maintenance and performance checks; prepares reagents/media; calibrates or verifies calibration of the assay; performs analysis and calculates results, if applicable, for control and unknown samples. Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Document corrective actions related to test performance. Adheres to established approved quality control procedures as mandated by accrediting agencies and as outlined in the appropriate procedure manual(s) for the assigned laboratory specialty. Reviews completed work for clerical errors and unusual or unlikely results; checks possible sources of analytical error and related lab data or other information and determines the course of action to be taken to verify results. Investigates problems/incompatibilities to determine the appropriate solution and escalate issues to the section's CLS Lead/Supervisor or Section Laboratory Director, as required. Evaluates the validity of data results 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 duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm, with rotating weekend and holidays. Extended hours based on service/facility needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:82378F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V8_EDRP_Orlando@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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-Transcript Submitted. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification-Documentation Submitted (1) 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. 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). English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). 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. (1) 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 Preferred Experience Two years previous generalist clinical laboratory experience, to include hematology, coagulation, body fluids, and urinalysis experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Physical Demands: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-50 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 03/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12913902. 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: 2026-03-30