Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Night Shift Job in San Antonio, TX

Summary

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

  Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Duties

Major Duties:

• The Lead CLS spends at least 25% or more of their time performing lead duties over staff one grade level below. Functions also include (but are not limited to):
  • Accepts assignment to one or more specialty areas as determined by the Supervisory CLS, Laboratory Manager, and/or Laboratory Director.
  • Oversees all aspects of the assigned specialty area(s), including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, evaluation and selection of testing methodologies, staff training, instrument management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Facilitates coordination among team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and specialty area priorities and goals are met.
  • Works collaboratively with other leads, the Supervisory CLS, Quality Manager, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Laboratory Manager, and Laboratory Director to align specialty operations with overall laboratory missions and objectives.
  • Serves as the subject matter expert within the assigned specialty area(s), providing authoritative advice on complex or emerging tests, interpretation of results, and alternate testing strategies.
  • Advises all organizational levels on the appropriateness, clinical context, and utility of specialized tests, considering test specificity, sensitivity, and potential interferences.
  • Develops and revises policies, protocols, and SOPs for the assigned specialty area(s), ensuring they meet or exceed regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards.
  • Modifies or adapts new methods and technologies to improve or expand testing services, validating performance, and establishing reference intervals using sound statistical and analytical methods.
  • Ensures that testing in assigned area(s) meets accrediting agency (AABB, CAP, TJC, CLIA, FDA) standards and identifies areas for improvement.
  • Reviews accreditation checklists, identifies deficiencies, implements corrective actions, and monitors effectiveness.
  • Coordinates proficiency testing assignments with the Quality Manager, investigates exceptions, and applies corrective actions as needed.
  • Works with the Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) during installation and upgrades to the LIS (e.g., VistA, CPRS) to ensure accuracy, data integrity, and efficient workflow in the specialty area(s).
  • Attends vendor training and serves as a resource for troubleshooting complex instrument issues, coordinating with vendor field service engineers to resolve operational problems.
  • Trains and mentors' employees, students, and staff from other in laboratory operations, policies, and SOPs related to the specialty area(s).
  • Provides guidance on the use of document management systems to ensure proper development, review, and updating of laboratory documents. Manages reagent, consumable, and supply inventories, ensuring adequate stock, proper storage, and cost-effective utilization. - Conducts market research, obtains vendor quotes, and collaborates with Supervisory CLS or Laboratory Manager on procurements and vendor evaluations.
  • Identifies and corrects issues related to test performance, sample integrity, instrument malfunctions, and workflow bottlenecks.
  • Implements solutions that improve the efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround time of testing, ensuring that all specimens are accounted for, tested, and resulted within established timeframes.
  • Evaluates test data against assay procedures, linearity, interferences, and established reference intervals.
  • Integrates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic data to verify results, making informed recommendations for confirmatory testing or follow-up procedures.
  • Provides clear, courteous, and effective communication with healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders.
  • Explains test methodologies, limitations, and interpretations, suggesting additional or alternative testing to clarify diagnostic ambiguities.
  • Performs full-range testing duties as needed on any laboratory shift, including weekends, holidays, nights, on-call rotations, or other shifts, to maintain service continuity.
  • May occasionally travel to other laboratories or sites to provide coverage or support during staffing shortages or emergencies.

Requirements

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 dentification 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.

• 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/27/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12815493.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.