Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Test Coordinator)
- Responsible for the Planning, design, and implementation of all elements of the Ancillary Testing Quality Management Program.
- Selects, Implements and maintains the performance of devices, troubleshooting and validation for test performance outside of the main laboratory.
- Performs validation and statistical analysis (variations, standard deviations, precision and accuracy, trend analysis) on quality control patient and reagent data collected. Identifies and resolves issues from statistical analysis of the collected data.
- Analyzes emerging trends, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals for training, operator identification and documentation.
- Interprets and applies complex written instructions. Successfully completes proficiency testing surveys in a timely fashion.
- Responsible for the verification of correct patient identification and documentation of results are transmitted into the laboratory computer system.
- Serves as the liaison between administration, clinical staff, and technical staff regarding the clinical, business, technical operations management processes associated with Ancillary testing Program and Phlebotomy.
- Recommends appointment, plans and assigns work, provides advice and counsel and evaluates work of subordinates.
- Adjusts staffing levels or work procedures to accommodate resource allocation decisions made at the executive level.
- Verifies orientation, training and competency assessment of assigned staff.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary 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
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
- Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
- Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
- Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP 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. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).
GS-12, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Test Coordinator) - Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
- Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory.
- Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement.
- Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site.
- Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity.
- Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing.
- Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Light Lifting (under 15 pounds); Light Carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; Both hands required for fine-manipulation and simple grasping; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); sitting (up to 8 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish shades of color.
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: .
Additional information
Receiving 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 at .
- Benefits
A 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. .
Eligibility 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.
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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary 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
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
- Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
- Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
- Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP 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. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).
GS-12, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Test Coordinator) - Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
- Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory.
- Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement.
- Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site.
- Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity.
- Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing.
- Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Light Lifting (under 15 pounds); Light Carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; Both hands required for fine-manipulation and simple grasping; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); sitting (up to 8 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish shades of color.
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: .
Additional information
Receiving 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 at .