A Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Incumbents use their comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to produce sound independent work. The incumbent applies their comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles to consistently manage quality control, process improvements, inventories, and documentation in laboratory operations.
Properly collects, handles, accessions, and labels specimens according to safety, patient identification, and infection control policies. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiological processes and requirements. Evaluates the suitability and preparation of specimens for analysis, maintains seamless identification, preserves the viability of the specimen, and ensures uniformity is maintained.
Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction and implements corrections. Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results, analyzer messages/flags, and incongruous data. Conducts quality control procedures for processes including equipment, reagents, and products. Maintains quality control data in format designed for each system. The incumbent produces statistical spreadsheets, charts, and records for quality control reports.
Develop protocols for new instruments including writing procedures and establishing protocols for running testing platforms, instruments, and analyzers. Includes development of quality control for test methods, calculating the mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) to determine clinical significance. Operates a variety of instruments and analyzers. Uses knowledge and training to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and performs regular maintenance on instruments. Contacts "Field Service" or "Technical Hotline" when necessary to continue problem solving. Evaluates the validity of patient results by correlating quantitative data with patient data and information (i.e., history, and medications) to release results for clinical use.
Recognizes abnormal results that require follow up testing, confirms accuracy of abnormal results, and communicates to clinic care providers effectively. Responsible for monitoring the flow of manual or analyzer generated results from the work area into the electronic patient medical record. Edits, corrects, verifies results if needed and documents changes, notifies licensed provider.
Participates in laboratory proficiency testing program and reports all errors without exception associated with the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic testing. Fully participates in process improvement and High Reliability Organization initiatives and patient safety requirements. Takes an active role in on-line data entry for Pr results.
Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as College of American Pathologist (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Federal Drugs administration (FDA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the VA National Enforcement Office (NEO) and VHA Directive 1106.1. Assists in preparing the lab for regulatory and accreditation inspections.
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist communicates, consults, and interacts with laboratory patients, clinical staff, facility 'customers', vendors, private care offices, and all patient care teams. 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.
Performs laboratory work according to the safety standards, precautions, and awareness required to work in a bio-hazard area with flammable and reactive chemicals. Use of personal protective equipment and avoiding risk is required. Performs, evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory results. In all areas, clinical laboratory scientist prepares reagents, assembly equipment, and verifies correct instrument operation.
Attends on-site and off-site instrument training schools (completing the expert level course, if offered). That expertise is then offered to other technical staff by conducting training events, competency testing exercise, review of correct procedures if problems arise and general oversight of instrument operation. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (7:00am - 3:30pm) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 14689F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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/.
victoria.anthony@va.gov · (908)992-1602
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $124400 – $161729/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-26.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-16 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
Apply on official site →