Job Board

This position is located the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, VA ECHCS. The incumbent performs a wide variety of laboratory tests on blood, other body fluids, urine, respiratory specimens, and feces. 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. Education and/or Experience Combination (1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR, (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English 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-7 Grade Determinations: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 Grade Determinations: Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) Education. Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. AND Must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.; Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.; Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.; Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.; Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.; Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions.; Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes.; and Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. GS-10 Grade Determinations:: Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. AND must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles and methodology of the field to perform advanced techniques; Ability to modify or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems; Knowledge of the application of laboratory regulatory requirements; and Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. GS-11 Grade Determinations: Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education. 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 field. AND Must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Advanced knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, medicolegal requirements and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests; Skill to apply new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing; Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods in order to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations; and Advanced knowledge of a particular discipline or function with wide latitude for exercising sound independent judgment Preferred Experience: Experience in Microbiology is required. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds). Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers (both hands) required, walking 2 hours, standing 6 hours, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, emotional/mental stability. Near vision correctable to 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously, hearing (aid permitted). Environmental Factors: Outside & inside; fumes, smoke, gases; solvents, grease & oils; radiant energy; slippery and uneven walking services; working around machinery with moving parts and moving objects, vehicles; working with hands in water; working alone and closely with others; possible exposure to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens. ["The Microbiology/Molecular Technical Specialist serves as an expert providing confident, convincing advice, and consultation for highly to moderately complex and unique testing requiring special knowledge in these sections. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0700-1530, rotating weekends and holidays\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:55042-O\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]