Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist position will be located in St. James, MO until this position will transfer to the Rolla Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rolla, Missouri. Training for this position will occur at the Truman VA Hospital campus in Columbia, MO until new facility is operational.

The duties for the Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist are, but not limited to:

• Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in accordance with current laboratory regulatory, accreditation, and VA requirements.
• Performs testing in assigned laboratory specialties, including chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology, using manual and automated methods.
• Performs and oversees pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, including specimen collection support, specimen processing, test performance, result verification, documentation, and reporting.
• Coordinates daily laboratory operations at the Rolla CBOC and ensures continuity of services in collaboration with the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory.
• Provides day-to-day lead direction to two Clinical Laboratory Scientists and three phlebotomists. Identifies, distributes, balances, and prioritizes work; monitors completion of assignments; coaches staff; and facilitates resolution
  of workflow and technical problems.
• Monitors quality-control systems, quality-assurance measures, instrument performance, maintenance records, proficiency-testing results, turnaround time data, workload data, specimen-quality indicators, and other assigned
  laboratory performance measures.
• Collects, reviews, trends, documents, and reports quality-control and laboratory performance-monitoring data to the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory in accordance with established reporting schedules, laboratory policies, and regulatory or accreditation requirements.
• Identifies quality or performance variances, initiates or assists with corrective actions within delegated authority, documents actions taken, and promptly communicates significant deficiencies, unresolved issues, equipment failures, testing interruptions, and patient-safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor or technical representative at the main facility.
• Conducts quality control, calibration verification as assigned, routine
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of laboratory instrumentation.
• Coordinates service, technical support, and escalation with the Harry S.
• Performs work requiring broad, independent technical judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision; assessing situations; considering available options; and taking appropriate action consistent with laboratory policy and scope of practice.
• Generates laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory information system and edits and verifies results in accordance with
  established procedures and authorization levels.
• Provides technical guidance to physicians, nurses, phlebotomy personnel, and other clinical staff regarding testing capabilities, specimen requirements, collection procedures, result interpretation, critical-value communication, and laboratory policies.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves routine informal complaints; reports performance, progress, behavioral concerns, and training needs of the team; and provides information to the supervisor regarding recognition, staffing, reassignment, and personnel needs.
• Assists the supervisor with writing or revising technical procedures; provides technical instruction; ensures policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements are followed; advises staff regarding unacceptable specimens or results; and coordinates or performs quality-control review and method verification activities.
• Works as a team member to provide backup support for administrative and operational tasks, including timekeeping, inventory maintenance, result reporting, and other duties needed to support continuity of laboratory
  operations.
• Communicates and supports the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values, including effective coordination between the Rolla CBOC and the Harry S. Truman VA Laboratory.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, Full-Time
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact visn15edrp@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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.

Basic Requirements:

• 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. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: GS-12
Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
AND
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(a) Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
(b) Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
(c) Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
(d) Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
(e) Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training.
(f) Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:



The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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