Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Detroit, MI

To qualify for this GS-12 Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist position, you must meet basic requirements including U.S. Citizenship, a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related science, and certification as an MLS or MT from ASCP or AMT. Applicants pending certification may be tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.

• U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related science (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by ASCP BOC or AMT, or as a Medical Technologist (MT) by ASCP BOR or AMT, or a categorical/specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
• Grandfathering provision applies to current VHA employees who were in the occupation before the effective date of the qualification standard.
• Experience must be at a level comparable to CLS experience at the next lower grade level (GS-11) and include significant scope, administrative independence, complexity, and variety.
• Part-time experience is creditable on a prorated basis.
• Research laboratory experience does not qualify as creditable CLS experience.
• Education must be from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Transcript (official or unofficial) must be submitted with application; screenshots or diplomas are not acceptable.

Perform the full range of laboratory testing duties at the full performance level, including weekends and holidays.

• Maintain and document optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Use, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Assist the Supervisor in modifying existing procedures as new tests are introduced and testing requirements change.
• Ensure Document Control is up to date.
• Participate in quality assurance efforts by indicating quality improvement indicators.
• Develop a system to monitor indicators and recommend/implement corrective actions when indicated.
• Gather information for monthly Quality Assurance monitors and use statistical programs to measure acceptability.
• Review regulatory requirements for CAP, JCAHO, FDA, OSHA, and AABB to ensure compliance.

Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.

• Subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period; employment may be terminated if continued employment does not advance the public interest.
• Driver's license or state-issued ID must be REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025.
• Complete online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification.

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

• Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with up to $200,000 in student loan repayment over one to five years (subject to program approval and individual eligibility).
• Access to career development and advancement opportunities within the VA.
• Veterans and transitioning service members have access to career-search tools and reintegration support through VA for Vets.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). You must submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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.

• The VA performs pre-employment reference checks as part of the hiring process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA Health Care Personnel. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons may be granted, but wearing a face mask is required if exempted.
• HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, contractors, researchers, volunteers, and health professions trainees.
• The VA policy is to not deny employment to those who have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
• Veterans and transitioning service members can visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools and reintegration support.
• Agency contact: John D. Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4646 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care to over 9 million veterans each year. The John D. Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, is a major teaching hospital affiliated with Wayne State University, offering many medical and surgical services. Working at the VA means serving those who have served the country, with a focus on high-quality patient care, research, and education. The VA offers stable federal employment, competitive salaries, and complete benefits, making it an attractive employer for healthcare professionals.

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