<p>The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Clinical Laboratory Scientist for the Pathology and Laboratory Department.</p> <p>This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).</p> <p>Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional</p> <p>The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. The CLS demonstrates clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods. This includes routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving.</p> <p>Duties include, but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li>Collects specimens with minimal discomfort to the patient, ensures accurate identification and proper preservation of the specimen, and controls physical conditions to ensure the physiological state of the specimen is maintained throughout the pre-analytical processes. </li><li>Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory science occupation. In addition, performs more advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. </li><li>Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements. </li><li>Prepares reagents, maintains, and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. </li><li>Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. </li><li>Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. </li><li>Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. </li><li>Identifies unusual results and discrepancies, correlates test results with other laboratory or patient data, evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system employed and type of specimen, determines if additional data is required before reporting test results, solves problems, and presents solutions. </li><li>Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program. </li><li>This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing. </li><li>Assists with training students and new employees. </li><li>Answers inquiries regarding test results. Refers questions about methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results to more experienced staff members. Interprets results. </li><li>Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). </li></ul> <p>This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit our EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.</p> <p>Work Schedule: 7:00 am-3:30 pm, weekends and holidays as assigned</p> <p>Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized</p> <p>EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Learn more</p> <p>Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.</p> <p>Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)</p> <p>Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.</p> <p>Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.</p> <p>Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA</p> <p>Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)</p> <p>Telework: No</p> <p>Virtual: This is not a virtual position.</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized</p>