Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (GS-12)

About the Role:

Lead and manage a clinical laboratory team, ensuring high-quality diagnostic testing and strict compliance with regulatory standards. This role combines advanced hands-on laboratory work with significant supervisory responsibilities, demanding independent judgment and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and technical supervision to subordinate staff (GS-11 level or higher), including work assignment, performance evaluations, training, and competency assessments.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations, developing, performing, evaluating, interpreting, correlating, and validating procedures across various specialties (chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, immunohematology).
• Ensure strict compliance with Federal, state laws, and accrediting agency requirements.
• Establish and monitor laboratory quality management programs, including pre-analytical processes, and initiate corrective actions.
• Manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
• Perform routine maintenance, quality control, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation.
• Correlate abnormal lab data with pathological states, determine test result validity, and identify needs for additional testing.
• Develop and implement laboratory policies, procedures, performance standards, and functional statements.
• May serve as a primary operator for new test systems, or take on roles such as laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, or quality control specialist.
• Maintain effective interdepartmental relations and provide education to healthcare professionals and the public.

Qualifications:

• **Citizenship:** United States Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered per VA policy).
• **Language:** Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• **Education:** Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• **Certification:** Generalist certification (MLS or MT by ASCP BOC/AMT) or Categorical/Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
• **Experience:** Minimum of one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, directly related to the position, involving independent lab operations and specialized experience.
• **Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):**

* In-depth knowledge of Federal/state laws and laboratory accrediting agency regulatory requirements. * Expertise in laboratory quality management principles for program establishment, monitoring, and staff training. * Comprehensive understanding of clinical laboratory technology concepts, principles, and operations. * Proven leadership skills, including interpersonal relations and conflict resolution. * Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties (work assignment, performance evaluations, staffing, disciplinary actions). * Capability to plan, organize, set short/long-term goals, and conduct studies on technical/administrative problems. * Skill in managing fiscal matters, forecasting resources, and administering budgets.

Physical Requirements:

• Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 lbs) and light carrying (under 15 lbs).
• Extensive use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable to 13-16 inches; ability to read ordinary type/computer screens.
• Ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others.
• High cognitive function and emotional stability required for a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
• Rotation of shifts may impose additional physical demands.