Clinical Laboratory Scientist

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) 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.

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.

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• Education: (1)
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science - medical technology - clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g. - laboratory sciences such as chemistry - biochemistry - biology - microbiology - immunology - etc.)
• AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program
• Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP - formerly CAHEA) - or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree
• OR - (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university - including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology) - 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics - AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g. - blood banking - chemistry - hematology - microbiology - immunology - clinical microscopy - etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) - American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking - chemistry - hematology - microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory
• OR - (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university - including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology) - 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics - AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking - chemistry - hematology - microbiology - immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory
• Foreign Graduates
• Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above
• This finding may be based on either of the following: (1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree
• (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination
• Certification
• Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT - MLS - or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC - ASCP-BOR - or AMT
• (2) For positions up to the full performance level - candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above - such as - but not limited to - chemistry (C/SC) - hematology (H/SH) - microbiology (M/SM) - molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB)
• Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e
• g. - an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry)
• Grandfathering Provision
• All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
• For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position - the following provisions apply: (1) MTs that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level - or changed to lower grade within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• (2) MTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• (3) MTs initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• (4) If MTs who were retained in this occupation under this provision leave the occupation - the MT loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
• Grade Determinations: GS-11 (a) Experience
• Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9) - which is directly related to the position to be filled
• 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 field
• Preferred Experience: Two years' experience working as generalist in the Hospital based Clinical Laboratory
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• The duties for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist includes - but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS occupation
• In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• recognizes deviation from expected results
• analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
• Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions
• Answers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors - which influence test results
• Interpret results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures
• Evaluated and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
• Interpret findings and makes recommendations
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continue education program
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers - patients - and others)
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• While not routinely assigned - could be called upon to perform phlebotomy duties
• Work Schedule: 4:00pm to 12:00am - Monday-Friday with rotating weekends and holidays
• Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized