Address
Form of workSummary
A Medical Technologist at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. This requires a broad exercise of independent judgement and responsibility, with minimal technical supervision.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Open to ALL US Citizens. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until 10/25/2024 or until no longer needed.
Videos
Duties
The incumbent is a qualified Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist that functions as a Lead Medical Technologist within the Molecular Biology section. A Medical Technologist at this level has a wider latitude for exercising independent judgment, a higher level of professional oversight responsibilities, and advanced knowledge of specialized complex subject matter. The incumbent is assigned more complex and specialized duties beyond providing routine patient test results. Assignments may include laboratory test development or modification, method validation and
performance evaluation, quality control review, laboratory statistics, assisting with preparation for regulatory inspections, and team leader within the Molecular Biology section.
The incumbent has specialized knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques including but not limited to; DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, reverse transcriptase-PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, Next-Generation Sequencing.
The incumbent has a basic understanding of the principles, theories, practices and methodologies of genetics, bacteriology, and virology.
Duties and tasks include but are not limited to the following:
Work Schedule: 0730-1600 or 0800-1630 M-F, No weekends and rotating holidays.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: No available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN10HREDRPSLRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
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).
Grade Determinations:
GS 11-Lead Medical Technologist
Specialized 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,
Additional 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.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate, in their resume, all of the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
a. Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
b. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services.
c. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
d. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.
e. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged standing, kneeling, bending over microscopes, reaching for supplies or materials, and lifting moderately heavy (up to 45 pounds) items such as centrifuges and record boxes (or occasionally lifting heavier items such as reagents packs). The work requires use of fingers, both hands, and color vision. The work requires the ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.
Education
IMPORTANT: 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: 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 25, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 11/03/2023 and applicants will be referred as needed after that. NOTE: Announcement will remain open until all positions are filled and it is no longer needed.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A Medical Technologist at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. This requires a broad exercise of independent judgement and responsibility, with minimal technical supervision.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Open to ALL US Citizens. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until 10/25/2024 or until no longer needed.
Videos
Duties
The incumbent is a qualified Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist that functions as a Lead Medical Technologist within the Molecular Biology section. A Medical Technologist at this level has a wider latitude for exercising independent judgment, a higher level of professional oversight responsibilities, and advanced knowledge of specialized complex subject matter. The incumbent is assigned more complex and specialized duties beyond providing routine patient test results. Assignments may include laboratory test development or modification, method validation and
performance evaluation, quality control review, laboratory statistics, assisting with preparation for regulatory inspections, and team leader within the Molecular Biology section.
The incumbent has specialized knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques including but not limited to; DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, reverse transcriptase-PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, Next-Generation Sequencing.
The incumbent has a basic understanding of the principles, theories, practices and methodologies of genetics, bacteriology, and virology.
Duties and tasks include but are not limited to the following:
- Assists the Molecular Biology supervisor with development and validation of new methods or techniques to improve or expand molecular pathology services.
- Advanced knowledge and skill of molecular diagnostic principles, theories, practices and methodologies sufficient to perform the full range of duties.
- Develops protocols and writes procedures for performance of tests and evaluation of results.
- Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements.
- Continually conducts research on new testing and instruments available for testing.
- Provide necessary requirements for new tests such as writing statement of work and doing extensive market research.
- Perform cost analysis for new test including cost for validation, service agreements, cost to send test out, cost to perform test based on number performed per run.
- Involved in statistical data collection and/or documentation for records, reports, Quality Assurance monitors, and quality control. Maintains a detailed, accurate record in an organized fashion, tracks activities, and processes paperwork accurately and promptly.
- Able to organize and prioritize work during heavy workload situations to expedite patient results. Prioritizes work between non-specimen activity and patient care.
Work Schedule: 0730-1600 or 0800-1630 M-F, No weekends and rotating holidays.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: No available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN10HREDRPSLRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
- 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).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.).
- Foreign Graduates: Graduates of baccalaureate programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described above. This finding may be based on either of the following: A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination.
- Certification-Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.
- Grandfathering Provision: All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
- English Language Proficiency: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, VA Handbook 5005.
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).
Grade Determinations:
GS 11-Lead Medical Technologist
Specialized 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,
Additional 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.
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate, in their resume, all of the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
a. Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
b. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services.
c. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
d. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.
e. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged standing, kneeling, bending over microscopes, reaching for supplies or materials, and lifting moderately heavy (up to 45 pounds) items such as centrifuges and record boxes (or occasionally lifting heavier items such as reagents packs). The work requires use of fingers, both hands, and color vision. The work requires the ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.
Education
IMPORTANT: 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: 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 25, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 11/03/2023 and applicants will be referred as needed after that. NOTE: Announcement will remain open until all positions are filled and it is no longer needed.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
- 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 care...
