Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Quick Facts

• Work schedule: 07:30am–4:00pm with rotating weekends and holidays (tour may change based on agency needs)
• Telework: Not authorized

Description

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides leadership and technical oversight of laboratory operations in the Blood Bank Laboratory (or as assigned). You will coordinate workflow, assign work, support staff training and competency, ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards, and oversee quality control activities, documentation, and reporting. The role also performs complex testing, troubleshooting, and provides advisory support to healthcare providers to support Veteran care.

Responsibilities

• Serve as team leader and facilitate section processes by coordinating priorities, goals, needs, and achievements with management
• Train staff on complex analytical instruments/procedures; act as shift expert for troubleshooting and coordinate competency checks
• Evaluate quality control protocols; perform validation/method verification for new systems or oversee a test system on an off shift
• Apply knowledge of test limitations (linearity, interference, sensitivity, specificity) to ensure valid conclusions
• Ensure testing and procedures meet accrediting agency standards and requirements
• Conduct quality improvement assessments (data collection/evaluation, presentations, and recommendations)
• Consult with healthcare providers on logical protocols for diagnosis/risk assessment confirmation
• Perform qualitative and quantitative testing using analyzers and manual methods on specimens (e.g., blood, urine, body fluids)
• Maintain quality assurance procedures (QC testing, instrument function checks, calibrations) and document/report irregularities
• Assess accuracy and validity of results and identify probable causes of critical atypical findings
• Maintain records of tests/examinations and final results; monitor and evaluate QC data outliers
• Troubleshoot instruments; document corrective actions and report problems to the supervisor
• Instruct students and laboratory personnel on diagnostic test principles and techniques
• Perform COR and fund control point duties as assigned
• Perform assigned bench duties including off-shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Certification as an MLS/MT generalist (ASCP BOC/AMT options) or categorical/specialist certification per assignment rules; qualified non-certified pathways may be available
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete all required steps, including an online assessment
• Pass pre-employment physical examination
• Urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment (if testing designated)
• Selective Service registration (for eligible males born after 12/31/1959)
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government includes a comprehensive federal benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.