<p>The position of Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is located within Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service of Columbia VA Health Care System in Columbia, SC. A CLS at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory to include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting.</p> <p>Total Rewards: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional</p> <ul> <li>This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until July 8, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 21, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position is filled.* </li></ul> <p>Duties include, but not limited to:</p> <ul> <li>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, taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. </li><li>Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. </li><li>Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors which influence test results. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. </li><li>Prioritizes work according to urgency and turnaround time criteria. </li><li>Complies with rules and standards of multiple regulatory and accreditation bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), AABB, FDA, OSHA, VHA, P&LM National Enforcement Program, etc. </li><li>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>Assists in the training of new employees, affiliated Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MT/CLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) students, other healthcare students or residents and volunteers. </li><li>Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students. </li><li>Communicates and documents critical values according to established protocols. </li></ul> <p>Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 12:00am-8:00am with rotating weekends and holidays</p> <p>Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized</p> <p>Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).</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: Not Available</p> <p>Virtual: This is not a virtual position.</p> <p>Functional Statement #: 58954F</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p>