Clinical Laboratory Scientist (technical Specialist) - Chemistry

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist)

The VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) is looking for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist) for the Carl T Hayden VA Healthcare System Chemistry department. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until February 18, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred at regular intervals or as vacancies become available. This announcement can be taken down at any time.

Responsibilities include the ability to exercise independent judgement within the scope of testing and will perform high-level duties of significant scope, complexity and range of variety at least 25% of the time while under supervisory review. The duties include serving as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge in the fields of clinical chemistry. Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the chemistry work area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation. Designs work flow to accomplish objectives in the chemistry work area. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Identifies training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed. Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists. Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing. Applies laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm (Rotating Weekends & Holidays)

Requirements include being a U.S. Citizen, proficient in written and spoken English, and subject to a background/security investigation. You may be required to serve a probationary period and must pass a 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 include United States Citizenship, English Language Proficiency, and Education. Certification is required and can be obtained through ASCP BOC or AMT. Foreign Education 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.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) Authorized: This position is eligible for EDRP, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of your start date. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Former participants are ineligible to apply for the EDRP incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov for questions or assistance.

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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.