Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Quick Facts

• Role: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (GS-7 to GS-11; full performance level GS-11)
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm; rotating weekends/holidays

Description

You will perform clinical laboratory testing by evaluating and preparing specimens, prioritizing test requests, and running routine and specialized assays with proper instrument maintenance and performance checks. The role includes identifying instrument malfunctions via calibration and quality control review, executing quality control/assurance procedures, verifying and editing laboratory results in the lab computer system, and communicating test information to the healthcare team. You must follow biosafety and biosecurity practices and organize work to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate specimen suitability; request new specimens when unusable
• Prepare specimens while maintaining physiologic specimen properties
• Prioritize and execute test requests expeditiously for critical situations
• Perform analysis steps for standards, routine, and specialized tests
• Maintain instruments; perform performance checks and calibration
• Investigate and document instrument malfunctions or unacceptable system performance
• Conduct QC/QA procedures for equipment, reagents, and products; maintain QC records
• Review results for clerical errors and unusual/unlikely findings; verify and investigate possible analytical errors with guidance as needed
• Troubleshoot issues/incompatibilities when departing from normal procedures under guidance
• Generate, edit, and verify laboratory results in the laboratory computer system
• Provide courteous, professional communication with the healthcare team; answer inquiries about results/methodology
• Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity regulations
• Organize workload and provide training to new employees and students

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• MLS/MT/generalist/categorical/specialist certification requirements via ASCP BOC/AMT (or eligible VA pathways to work toward certification)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete pre-employment onboarding and required documentation (including acceptable identification requirements)
• Pre-employment urinalysis drug screening for testing designated positions
• Selective Service registration (males born after 12/31/1959)
• Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program

Benefits

• Comprehensive U.S. federal employee benefits package (eligibility depends on position type and schedule)