Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Technical Specialist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your 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 complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until January 8, 2026 or until the position is filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 7, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 30th of each month. Eligible applications receive after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until position are filled. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The assignee serves as a Technical Specialist CLS, providing expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge in the Flow Cytometry section at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. The duties of the Technical Specialist includes but are not restricted to the following functions: The incumbent is a qualified, experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) who serves to develops, review and/or recommends changes to procedures and policy regarding the high complexity testing, quality assurance and management program in the Flow Cytometry section Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing, including appropriateness of testing that takes into consideration clinical context. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing. Develops policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. Assumes responsibility for training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned. Often works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner. Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge including, but not limited to, bone marrow examination, genetic testing, and flow cytometry. Processes and stains peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens for Flow Cytometry. Evaluate patient samples for Leukemia/Lymphoma immunophenotyping and T-cell subsets. Performs calibrations, quality control, and maintenance procedures on all equipment in the Flow Cytometry Lab. Prepares and manages all reagent and antibody inventory; order supplies as needed. Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the Flow Cytometry area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation. Designs workflow to accomplish objectives in the flow cytometry section. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Serves as consultant and advisor to hematology/oncology, primary and attending physicians, as well as administrative staff, medical, and laboratory personnel. Performs additional duties as needed in the Hematology Section. Complies with established laboratory and hospital policies for standard universal precautions and safety procedures. Responds to all national accreditation agencies, VHA Clinical Laboratory Scientist (National Quality and Compliance Agent), National and VISN inquiries, surveys, and questionnaires as requested. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. The tour of duty covers the first shift of a busy medium sized 24 hour Hospital Laboratory and weekends/extended hours coverage based on facility needs. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jamie Wunsch at , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. 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. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 82399F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position. Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-11-01