This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
Duties
The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) in the Department of State maintains and promotes the health and well-being of America’s diplomatic community who represent a wide range of United States government agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists (RMLS), Regional Medical Officers (RMOs), Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrists (RMOPs), and Medical Providers (MPs) to selected posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical care that is inadequate by U.S. standards.
The Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist (RMLS) performs a wide variety of tests and procedures in Parasitology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Immunology, Hematology, Blood Banking, and Urinalysis. Duties also include training laboratory and non-laboratory professionals, assessing local laboratories, and addressing food safety, environmental, and water quality issues. The RMLS travels at least 50 percent of the time to provide services at regional posts.
RMLS duties may include, but are not limited to the following at each regional post of responsibility:
Clinical
- Evaluates and reports on the quality of local medical laboratory services, blood banks, and hospital laboratories at home and regional posts
- Technical supervisor of regional laboratory personnel
- Conducts competency assessments at home and regional posts
- Performs and reports on medical and environmental laboratory tests
- Performs phlebotomy on patients of all ages
- Ensures patient confidentiality and records’ integrity
- Addresses food safety, environmental, and water quality issues
- Maintains credentials and continuing medical education
- Trains health unit staff on specimen collection, processing, testing, and reporting
- Conducts food safety and other instructional classes
- Performs sanitation inspections
- Maintains ServSafe® manager certification
Diplomatic
- Collaborates with local laboratory directors and managers
Administrative
- Manages the health unit laboratory operations
- Oversees the Quality Management programs
- Writes Exposure Control Plans
- Performs cost analyses to determine cost versus benefit when indicated to maintain fiscal responsibility
- Mentors new RMLSs
- Evaluates test methods
- Submits statistical reports to MED
- Updates the medical capabilities database
Emergency Preparedness
- Prepares laboratory testing information for the emergency preparedness programs
- Assists with the post pandemic medical response plans
Regional Care Responsibilities
- Arranges and maintains a regional travel schedule to respond to immediate and routine post needs
- Maintains communication with regional health unit staff
- Liaises with Regional Medical Managers
- Maintains regular communication with the MED/LAB office in Washington, DC
An RMLS is considered ‘essential personnel’ and is expected to be available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
- Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
- Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
- Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
At the time of application, applicants must possess:
A minimum of five (5) years of full-time post-certification laboratory experience within the last ten (10) years in the Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology areas of the laboratory, with experience and working knowledge in Parasitology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Urinalysis, with progressively responsible experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance as an RMLS. An applicant’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.
- Applicant must have demonstrated skill in performing tests with detail and accuracy and providing information to appropriate individuals, as necessary. The work involves exercising a high degree of laboratory management and technical expertise.
- Applicant must have knowledge of the following: Medical Laboratory Science, General Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Quality Control procedures, Quality Assurance plans, laboratory equipment used in performing a variety of laboratory tests, skill in performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment, ability to train other medical professionals in laboratory techniques is required.
- Applicant must be a skilled and experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist capable of working independently. Experience in performing laboratory techniques to diagnose infectious and tropical diseases is preferred.
- Applicant must have the ability to develop, coordinate, and administer food and safety programs and procedures, including teaching laboratory and safety topics to both small and large groups.
- Applicants must be able to organize and supervise a diverse group of health care staff with varying degrees of expertise, education, and command of English. Applicants must understand the unique cultural differences related to laboratory methods and health care delivery in varied countries and address these differences in a positive manner.
- Applicant must have the capacity to gain the cooperation and confidence of patients, co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Individuals must have experience in working in a multidisciplinary setting as well as experience in team building, leadership, and management. Effective written and oral communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to present laboratory findings in a clear and concise manner to medical and non-medical personnel. Demonstrated ability to teach or lecture to groups on laboratory issues is preferred.
- General computer and Microsoft Office skills are required.
Applicants must demonstrate a high degree of technical expertise with management experience.
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage the administrative aspects of a health unit laboratory, as well as the ability to cope with extraordinary issues, which may occur in remote and isolated settings. Previous experience working as a supervisor or section chief, or in an overseas setting, is advantageous.
The applicant must be a skilled and experienced medial laboratory scientist with excellent interpersonal skills. The applicant must be able to function well within a complex organization and have experience working in a high stress environment and recognize and understand the problems of delivering laboratory services to U.S. citizens posted in locations where local laboratory resources are limited or non-existent. The ability to objectively evaluate the quality of laboratory services based on observations and open-ended questions, and the ability to provide long distance assessment of issues via electronic communications such as telephone, radio, and email.
Specific medical knowledge areas required by the job include: medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory standards, medical laboratory equipment, specimen collection, computer medical records and programs, international air transport association (IATA) regulations, and water testing methods and standards.
Specific medical skills required by the job include: performing laboratory tests, collecting specimens, analyzing, observing, interviewing, and controlling laboratory documents.
Management skills required by the job include: supervising, overseeing, managing laboratories, training, organizing, multitasking, working with others of diverse backgrounds, managing resources, budgeting, contracting, and using computers.
Personal skills required by the job include: reading comprehension, active listening, active learning, oral and written communication, public speaking, complex problem identification, critical thinking, social perceptiveness, interpersonal skills, persuasion, service orientation, monitoring, coordination, process operation and control, and equipment selection and installation.
Other attributes required by the job include: compassionate, self-sufficient, independent but integrated with the department, interest in continuous learning and change, attention to detail, dependable, tolerance of travel, worldwide available, tolerance of living away from family, and tolerance of working and living in difficult and/or isolated or high-threat locations.
Superior oral and written communication skills: Foreign Service Specialists must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness). Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Essential Physical Requirements
The most important physical requirements of the job are: vision, speaking, mobility, dexterity, physical endurance, mental endurance, and hearing.
RMLSs may need to perform essential functions effectively with or without reasonable accommodation, in environments that pose physical or other occupational challenges. These duties may include:
- Provision of direct patient care that may require heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, bending, and twisting in tight and limited spaces
- Travelling independently to regional posts using commercial air carriers, military aircraft, or other transportation modalities that may not offer special access accommodations
- Provision of emergency care in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack and emergency care in potentially hostile or physically challenging environments, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas with irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting, walking, and running on uneven terrain
- Transportation of self or patients via small aircraft, helicopters, ambulances, or other non-standard modes of transportation with small entrances and high floors, such as high-axle armored vehicles
Education
At the time of application applicants must meet the below qualifications and have a minimum of five (5) years of full-time post-certification laboratory experience within the last ten (10) years in the Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology areas of the laboratory, with experience and working knowledge in Parasitology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Urinalysis, with progressively responsible experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist :
-
A Bachelor's or a Master's degree from a regionally accredited college/university in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology OR biological science (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry).
AND
- Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited Medical Laboratory Science program OR successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course.
AND
- Hold a current national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification OR a current national certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT) OR current state licensure. For ASCP certifications, those credentialed prior to 01/01/2004 must upload proof of participation in Credential Maintenance Program with no expiration date. Those credentialed after 01/01/2004 must upload their current active certification.
You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue. Please see the Required Documents section for additional required attachments.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded, and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
NACES: https://www.naces.org/index
AICE: https://aice-eval.org/
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Benefits
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
RMLSs receive at least 12 hours of CME credit through an annual State Department-sponsored CME program.
Recruitment Bonus
Applicants are eligible for a 10% recruitment bonus.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The starting salary range is FP-05, steps 5 through 14, from the FS Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by graduate level education and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Additional steps may be granted based on the following: one step for the first graduate degree below the doctoral level in a work-related field awarded before date of appointment; two steps for a doctoral degree in a work-related field awarded before date of appointment; one step for a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Clinical Laboratory Science, other applicable Scientific Master’s degree, or Laboratory Management; one step for Master of Business Administration (MBA). Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/benefits.
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Medical Credential Verification and Indemnification
Applicants are subject to a credential verification process conducted by the Quality Management Staff Unit of the Bureau of Medical Services. This process includes query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and independent verification of state licenses and national certifications. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act, so long as they are acting within their scope of work.
Active Bureau of Medical Services clinical privileges, specific to the position, are a condition of employment for all Foreign Service Medical Specialists You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
Required Documents:
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.
- Resume from USAJobs Resume Builder, the only resume format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
- Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
- All required supporting documentation, including transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, a copy of your DD-214 or Joint Services Transcript, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via a link will not be accepted.
- Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 point Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 point Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Required attachments include:
- Transcripts as stated in the Education Requirements section or a copy of your DD-214 or Joint Services Transcript
- A copy of National Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Verification of current national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from either the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters) for each item. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all of the items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Laboratory Skills: Describe a specific complex laboratory case, which you have encountered that demonstrates your laboratory skills in identifying and investigating an unexpected laboratory result.
Leadership and Management Skills: Describe a situation that demonstrates your ability to lead and accomplish a specific task or goal. Describe examples of your skills in operating laboratories, including supervising employees and administrative tasks.
Technology Skills and Troubleshooting: Describe your skill and give an example in managing laboratory instruments and technology, including conducting complex procedures and troubleshooting equipment.
Organizational Abilities: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary clinical team or practice.
Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Use specific examples to describe your troubleshooting skills involving laboratory processes and procedures.
Public Speaking and Teaching Ability: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.
Management skills: Describe examples of your skills in operating laboratories, including supervising employees and administrative tasks.
Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example of dealing with a difficult supervisor or colleague. How did you approach the situation and what resources did you use to help resolve the conflict?
Work flexibility: Describe examples illustrating your willingness to change, learn, and take on new assignments.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
- Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g. computer skills), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,
- Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
3. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
4. Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents or documents sent by link will not be accepted.
5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any illegible or missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions. PDF documents are strongly recommended. Illegible documents will not be accepted and are grounds for application termination.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm Eastern Time.
For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
The Department of State will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
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