Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Education Debt Reduction Program)

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Education Debt Reduction Program)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Amarillo, Texas

Salary Range: $109350 - $142161 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 The incumbent serves as a Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) over assigned laboratory specialty area(s). The Lead CLS communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values. The Lead CLS identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem solving methods. The Lead CLS prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs. Duties will include, but are not limited too: Oversees all aspects of the assigned specialty area(s), including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, evaluation and selection of testing methodologies, staff training, instrument management, and regulatory compliance. Facilitates coordination among team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and specialty area priorities and goals are met. Works collaboratively with other leads, the Supervisory CLS, Quality Manager, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Laboratory Manager, and Laboratory Director to align specialty operations with overall laboratory missions and objectives. Serves as the subject matter expert within the assigned specialty area(s), providing authoritative advice on complex or emerging tests, interpretation of results, and alternate testing strategies. Advises all organizational levels on the appropriateness, clinical context, and utility of specialized tests, considering test specificity, sensitivity, and potential interferences. Develops and revises policies, protocols, and SOPs for the assigned specialty area(s), ensuring they meet or exceed regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards. Ensures that testing in assigned area(s) meets accrediting agency (CAP, TJC, CLIA, FDA) standards and identifies areas for improvement. Coordinates proficiency testing assignments with the Quality Manager, investigates exceptions, and applies corrective actions as needed. Trains and mentors employees, students, and staff from other in laboratory operations, policies, and SOPs related to the specialty area(s). Provides guidance on the use of document management systems to ensure proper development, review, and updating of laboratory documents. Manages reagent, consumable, and supply inventories, ensuring adequate stock, proper storage, and cost-effective utilization. - Conducts market research, obtains vendor quotes, and collaborates with Supervisory CLS or Laboratory Manager on procurements and vendor evaluations. Identifies and corrects issues related to test performance, sample integrity, instrument malfunctions, and workflow bottlenecks. Evaluates test data against assay procedures, linearity, interferences, and established reference intervals. Explains test methodologies, limitations, and interpretations, suggesting additional or alternative testing to clarify diagnostic ambiguities. Performs full-range testing duties as needed on any laboratory shift, including weekends, holidays, nights, on-call rotations, or other shifts, to maintain service continuity. May occasionally travel to other laboratories or sites to provide coverage or support during staffing shortages or emergencies. Work Schedule: 6:00am to 2:30pm (Rotating Days) Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact: vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53463-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: 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. (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. 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: Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12 In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. (B) Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation. (C) Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. (D) Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. (E) Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. (F) 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. 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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

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/12858166. 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