Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

About the role

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist serves as the Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) and the Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS) at the Alexandria VA Health Care System, an OPES Complexity Level 3 facility performing an average of 1.3 million billable tests annually.

This position provides authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as it applies to the clinical laboratory.

What you will do

• Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems.
• Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.
• Serves as a recognized expert to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the information system and serves as the local expert for national software developers for alpha or beta testing of software packages.
• Implements new patches or changes in instrumentation in a timely manner and tests thoroughly to detect problems in ordering, accessioning, or resulting laboratory tests.
• Detects, promptly addresses, and resolves disruptions in the laboratory service stemming from the software package, instrument interfaces, or middleware.
• Serves as the principle contact for all laboratory interactions with the facility Office of Information Technology department and Clinical Applications Coordinators.
• Implements back-up systems during periods of computer downtime, including an efficient manual system for results reporting and timely retrospective order entry and results reporting in the LIS, so as not to jeopardize the integrity of cumulative laboratory patient results reports.
• Maintains applicable LIS documentation in accordance with VHA Directive 1106 and all accrediting agencies.
• Responsible for the development, deployment, and maintenance of Instrument- Manager-based decision support algorithms (rules).
• Provides technical, analytical, and automated data processing support to the laboratory.
• Communicates with national or VISN groups working on laboratory information systems to stay abreast of upcoming changes, improvements and problems.
• Participates in laboratory information management procedures and practices to determine how effectively current goals are being met and how services could be improved through changes in automation or information systems.
• Represents the laboratory on several committees and meetings related to ADPAC responsibilities and maintains current enrollment in the ADPAC national and local mail groups.
• Provides consultation and training of personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and responsible for the maintenance of computer security keys.
• Provides effective and professional training to newly hired clinical staff, students, and other clinical staff on the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical laboratory specialties, especially as relates to reporting and computer use.
• Creates, applies, and monitors reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives, both within the program and/or the organization.
• Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of the data and ensures the validity of data in relation to the test systems.
• Ensures corrective action is initiated when test performance deviates from established performance specifications or nonconforming events.
• Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing and result reporting.
• Develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system or the hospital information system.
• Assists in the preparation for regulatory inspections by reviewing and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and participates in the inspection of inhouse and external facilities as required.
• Promptly reports all variances, incidents, and/or deviations from policy as required and in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
• Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) 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: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 01010F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week.
• SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
• Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans' preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 10/22/2026.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.