Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Quick Facts

• Role: Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (GS-12 level)

Description

You will supervise and manage clinical laboratory operations, including planning and executing technical and administrative goals, staffing, budgets, and service efficiency improvements. The role requires strong compliance knowledge of federal/state laboratory regulations and accrediting agency requirements, along with leadership in quality management, staff training, and performance oversight. You will also coordinate equipment and supply selection/procurement contracts and support outpatient clinics through documentation and periodic service evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Develop laboratory plans and procedures in line with federal/state laws and accrediting agency requirements
• Establish, monitor, and improve the laboratory quality management program and staff training/competency
• Supervise staff: assignment of work, performance evaluations, hiring decisions, awards/advancement recommendations, and disciplinary actions
• Plan short- and long-term goals; conduct studies to resolve technical and administrative issues (e.g., staffing shortages, organization, new technology)
• Manage fiscal operations: forecast resources/equipment needs and administer the allocated budget
• Determine staffing needs and submit staffing requests
• Recommend improvements to overall efficiency and service delivery
• Interview candidates and select for appointments
• Provide first-line supervision for GS-11 scientists and below; advise and counsel staff on work and administrative matters
• Facilitate monthly meetings and ensure effective shift-to-shift communication
• Ensure workplace violence policy understanding and reporting by all personnel
• Oversee orientation and competency retraining; maintain documentation for training files
• Visit outpatient clinics periodically to evaluate laboratory service quality and adequacy of equipment/personnel
• Stay current on new instrumentation technology; justify purchases/leases that reduce operating costs
• Represent the lab on committees for consolidated instrument and supply selection and CPRR contract procurement
• Serve as point of contact for contracts with fiscal oversight and feedback to VISN contracting officials
• Support supply inventory oversight and maintain purchasing proficiency
• Provide fill-in coverage for the Laboratory Manager in their absence

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Meet education requirements in medical laboratory science/technology or related science, plus clinical practice and/or coursework and experience pathways specified in the posting
• Current ASCP/AMT certification appropriate to MLS/MT (generalist) or categorical/specialist technologist level (with duty limitations based on category)
• For GS-12: at least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Knowledge of federal/state regulations and accrediting requirements sufficient to develop laboratory plans/procedures
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management procedures and principles
• Knowledge of clinical laboratory technology concepts, principles, and methods
• Leadership skills including interpersonal relations and conflict resolution
• Ability to perform full range of supervisory duties and to plan, organize, and set goals
• Ability to manage fiscal matters and administer the allocated budget
• Pass pre-employment physical examination and comply with employment onboarding and assessment requirements
• Complete trial period requirement after acceptance

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal benefits package (eligibility depends on position type and schedule)