Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Nationwide) ONLY.

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The Supervisory Clinical Lab Scientist Manager supervises a large staff of nonsupervisory and supervisory personnel including at least one GS-13 subordinate.

• Interprets, develops and follow guidelines to abide by Veteran Administration and any
  accrediting agency policies and procedures.
• Assesses laboratory effectiveness of instruments used, tests offered, space utilization and employees' functions..
• Establishes and maintains quality control and quality assurance programs following
  accrediting agencies guidelines.
• Serves as an authority on laboratory medicine.
• Serves as a consultant to local, network, and national program officials.
• Keeps abreast of current research, clinical methods, and technical advances in the field.
• Develops, selects and integrates new techniques and procedures into laboratory
  programs that provide for efficient and effective processes.
• Provides direction and guidance to staff with appropriate orientation and training.
• Develops and manages program budget and fund control points.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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 probationary 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/24/2025.

Basic Requirements:
1. Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens).
2. English Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in written and spoken English.
3. Basic Education and/or Experience Combination:

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.).

4. Certification:
(1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.
(2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry).
(3) Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 2d(1) above.

5. GS-14 Grade level specific qualifications:
(a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled.

(b) Assignments. The supervisory CLS serves as the Laboratory Manager (Lab Manager). The CLS provides guidance and serves as an authority and subject matter expert on laboratory medicine including research, agency policies, new techniques, and procedures. This individual develops guidelines, assesses laboratory effectiveness, and establishes and maintains quality assurance and quality management programs. The CLS consults with or serves as a consultant for local, network, and national programs and/or officials. The CLS manages regulatory affairs and compliance and develops and manages program budget and resource usage, inventory, acquisition, and contracting processes. They assist and participate in educational programs affiliated with institutions providing training for individuals in laboratory or other related medical fields of study.

Please note: You must include a copy of your transcripts, certification and any other documentation required to qualify for this position. Your resume must also show that you meet the requirements for this position.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation).

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping), walking, frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hour), keeling, repeated bending, use of both arms, legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear high cognitive functional and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

N DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodologies of a major clinical laboratory program and operations to assess program effectiveness and provide authoritative guidance for operations, personnel, and management.
2. Skill in administrative management such as budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management in accordance with organizational
(for example, VHA) regulations.
3. Ability to collaborate with other departments and upper management in a medical center or health care setting or higher-level managers in regional or national offices such as VISN-level staff and VHA Central Office staff.
4. Ability to plan and execute short- and long-range programs and/or goals through project management and tactical/ strategic planning.
5. Ability to provide advisory, planning, and surveillance services to clinicians, laboratory directors, and supervisors on specific functions, programs, or problems that are particularly difficult, widespread, or persistent.
6. Ability to solve complex problems involving unique or controversial aspects of medical technology or laboratory management, new or unconventional
methods, program changes or conflicts between scientific/technological requirements and regulatory or program requirements.
7. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties including responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and
recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job-related information, which may include, but not limited to: responses to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; completion of a work sample; and/or contact for a Performance Based Interview (PBI). For more information about PBI, please visit: http://www.va.gov/pbi/