Overview

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Fort Carson, CO: Located just south of Colorado Springs, Ft. Carson combines scenic beauty, pleasant residential areas, and cultural activities to satisfy every taste. It is an unusually well-rounded military community which offers a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. World-class ski resorts are available within a short 2 1/2 hour drive, golf courses and biking trails are available on the installation as well as in the surrounding community. Numerous colleges and universities are available for continuing education.

(Fort Carson Landscape)

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

Responsibilities

Major Duties:

1. Performs a full range of laboratory testing. 

a. Works as a clinical laboratory scientist under the general supervision of a Supervisory clinical laboratory scientist, who provides initial guidance on area of responsibility and priorities and assistance with unusual test results. As a clinical laboratory scientist in the Department of Pathology, independently performs professional application of medical technology principles, concepts, and methodology in such specialties as chemistry, urinalysis, blood bank, hematology, serology, and microbiology using automated analyzers and complex manual techniques. May be assigned to one of the following sections or may rotate among these, as dictated by mission requirements: Immunohematology, Microbiology & Immunology, Hematology & Coagulation, Urinalysis, Chemistry, Shipping and Receiving, Venipuncture, Specimen Processing, and Clinical Laboratory areas overseen by the Department of Pathology to include, but not limited to, Troop Medical Clinics, Soldier Readiness Centers, and DoD Medical Homes. Performs manual and automated procedures on patient samples such as serum, blood, urine, semen, tissue, aspirates, swabs, body fluids, and stool. Manages and prioritizes laboratory work based on immediate (STAT), as soon as possible (ASAP), or routine priority. Applies professional knowledge of medical technology principles, concepts, and methodology and works in accordance with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards, department standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments(CLIA) instrument manuals, manufacturer’s instructions and technical references related to testing.

b. Performing clinical laboratory testing of human blood, urine, and other body fluids or tissues using manual or automated techniques; confirming test results and developing data that may be used by physicians in determining the presence and extent of disease or in support of medical research; modifying or designing laboratory procedures; establishing and monitoring quality control systems and measures; and providing instruction in the basic theory, technical skills, and application of laboratory test procedures.

2. Technical guidance and quality assurance oversight on a full range of processes conducted in the laboratory. 

a. Prepares appropriate standards, reagents, and quality control materials required for the performance of test procedures. Conducts quality control/quality assurance reviews on work performed, existing and/or new equipment and reagents, procedures, and manuals within the assigned section of the laboratory and maintains documentation of his/her reviews in accordance with (IAW) the guidelines established by accrediting/inspecting agencies and/or department policies. Reviews internal and external quality control programs and works with the supervisor or clinical laboratory chief to resolve discrepancies. Evaluates validity of data in relation to test systems and assay procedures. Integrates and correlates test data with other laboratory and patient data to lead to a conclusion about the normality of a system. Creates, uses, or modifies logic schema to determine corrective actions for problems.

b. Performs preventive maintenance for all instruments. Recognizes, locates, and implements corrective action to solve technical or clerical problems. Calibrates or standardizes equipment, troubleshoots malfunctions, and makes repairs or identifies need for external services (e.g. consults SOP or operators manual, contacts manufacturer customer service hotline, contacts biomedical maintenance, etc.). Ensures that reagents, controls, calibrators, etc. are labeled in accordance with laboratory policies. Records temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, water baths, etc. Initiates maintenance requests when required. Performs required maintenance or user level tasks (e.g. load paper or labels) in hospital information system and instrument systems and printers.

c. Monitors overall workflow pattern within section during shift; advises supervisor or clinical laboratory chief of problem areas. Ensures that hospital and department policies/procedures, to include safety practices, are effectively followed. Works in close cooperation with the supervisor, clinical laboratory chief and Non Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) and keeps them advised of any problems or changes within the service (personnel, equipment, supplies, and workflow patterns) that may affect the overall operation of the department. Compiles data for administrative reports; and reports any new or unusual trends to the supervisor, quality improvement coordinator, or clinical laboratory chief. Correlates qualitative or quantitative data with other laboratory data (i.e. biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic data). Reports test results in accordance with standard operating practices, with consideration for their significance and urgency; consults with physicians on additional tests that may be useful or necessary to clarify problems. Manages expendable and non-expendable resources effectively.

4. Train staff and assist in process improvement. 

a. Trains new staff clinical laboratory scientists/technicians and students in procedures, instrumentation, and workload organization. Communicates and demonstrates proper techniques for completion of various laboratory procedures and practices. Utilizes department/section training plan for the area to be covered. Evaluates and documents staff or student's ability to complete testing procedures in an accurate and timely manner while maintaining the workflow of assigned area. Advises supervisor, laboratory chief or quality assurance coordinator of continuing education needs of employees. Plans and presents in-service educational programs for laboratory or hospital personnel, or other interested groups. Assignments may include making structured lesson plans to present information on new procedures, methodology, or interpretations to clinical staff.

b. Communicates and relays technical information to clinician and other health-care personnel. Maintains professional competence by keeping abreast of current trends in Medical Technology and related fields through on-going continuing education programs and courses. Maintains technical competency by annual competency assessment procedures as determined by the laboratory chief IAW standards set forth by accrediting agencies.

c. Assists in correlating requirements of inspecting and accrediting agencies to ensure performance of acceptable protocols and procedures. Recommends new or modified procedures be incorporated when appropriate. Reviews literature for personal development and to improve laboratory systems; recommends and/or writes/prepares standard operating procedures for new methodologies and quality assurance procedures that would benefit the overall objectives or goals of the Pathology Department and which optimize the level of use of in-house and reference laboratory resources. Reviews current procedural manual, recommending revisions as needed, and writes/prepares updates to current procedural manuals.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

U.S Citizenship required 

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist:A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.ORB. At least a full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.ORC. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university that included 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable.

Evaluation of Education and Experience: The four major areas of clinical laboratory science are microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology (blood banking). Qualifying course work in these areas includes bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, tissue culture, virology, parasitology, endocrinology, enzymology, toxicology, urinalysis, coagulation, hemostasis, cell morphology, immunology, serology, immunoserology, immuno-deficiency, hemolysis, histocompatibility, cyto-genetics, and similar disciplines or areas of laboratory practice.Related fields include physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, embryology, pathology, genetics, pharmacology, histology, cytology, nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, infection control, physics, statistics, and similar areas of science where the work is directly related to the position to be filled.  

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes performing testing in a clinical laboratory, and monitoring or conducting quality control procedures in a clinical laboratory. OREducation: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: medical technology, chemistry, biology or education that is directly related to the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)ORCombination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.). Experience or graduate education must have been in (1) the general field of medical technology; (2) one of the disciplines or specialized areas of medical technology; or (3) a field directly related and applicable to medical technology or the position to be filled. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)ANDCertification Requirement: Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT) or other board or registry deemed comparable by Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (OASD(HA)) or their designee as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) is required. (Copy of certification must be submitted with application package.)