SummaryThis position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.DutiesHelp****THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT****This is an open continuous announcement until December 31st, 2025. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. This position serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist within the VA New Jersey Healthcare System Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. The incumbent functions as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (formerly Medical Technologist) and is required to rotate within the clinical laboratory departments (Blood Bank, hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology/Molecular, Molecular, Serology, Special Chemistry and Urinalysis and reference lab testing, etc.) on an as needed basis.The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist include but are not limited to the following: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.Order duties as assigned.Work Schedule: 12AM-8AM,Midnight Tour, Monday-Friday; rotating weekends and holidays.Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 12242FRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedEDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact and the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn morePermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsHelpConditions of employmentRESUME REQUIREMENTS - Your resume MUST include the following information:Job Title (for each position)Description of duties (be as detailed as possible)Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2018 to April 2020) of employmentFull-time or part-time status (include average hours worked per week)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.You may be required to serve a trial period.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 ( 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.Must pass pre-employment physical examination.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Qualifications**The cut off for the first applicant list is September 10, 2025 with subsequent applicant lists sent as needed until vacancies are filled**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: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: (1) Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. OR (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified below automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.Certification. Candidates must meet one of the following certification options below.Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held.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).GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Grade Determinations:Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:Experience.1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.OREducation.Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.GS-11 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The following KSAs In addition to the experience or education above are required at the GS-11 grade level for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist:Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient educationPreferred Experience: One year as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Formally Medical Technologist) Generalist. Generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist, trained and experienced in multiple disciplines including Chemistry, Hematology/coagulation, Blood Bank, Urinalysis, referral testing, Microbiology/Molecular testing. Analyze blood, body fluids, tissue and other biological specimens. Perform pre-patient testing maintenance, QC, testing, result interpretation, recognize normal, abnormal and critical results and urgency to notify provider. Follow SOP, ability to train CLS students and new hires. Follow Quality Management and Safety guidelines.Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.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: 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: informationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.Expand Hide additional informationCandidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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