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.
**The cut off for the first applicant list is August 27, 2026 with subsequent applicant lists sent as needed until vacancies are filled** 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.
The incumbent serves as a Generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist, who regularly rotates to various stations in the clinical laboratory for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service of the VA New Jersey Healthcare system campus. The incumbent will regularly rotate to various benches within the areas of Blood Bank, hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology/Molecular, Molecular, Serology, Special Chemistry and Urinalysis.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist works throughout the lab as a generalist/ assigned specialist and works weekends, holidays and the evening or night shift by themselves when priorities demonstrate a need. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation.
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles using a comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. Performs testing by being able to interpret and apply complex written instructions. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines of routine and urgent testing.
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and troubleshoots deviations to maintain optimal operating conditions and accuracy of test results. Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions for testing platforms, quality control or patient results that deviate from expected performance. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
Evaluates 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. Interprets 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/continuing education program.
Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety, biosecurity, and infection prevention in the workplace. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Work Schedule: 12am-8am Midnight shift EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact visn2edrpcoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $101849 – $132411/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-16.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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