Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Department of Health and Human Services : Job Details

SummaryArea of Consideration:HHS-WideContact the Albuquerque Area IHS Recruiter:Michelle Aguilar BowserPhone: 505-###-#### orEmail: [email protected] Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) allows acceptance of application throughout the year with eligible applicants being placed on the register and referred for consideration when vacancies occur.Your application will expire 8 months from application date and you must reapply to keep your application active.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates07/29/2024 to 12/31/2024* Salary$70,923 - $136,446 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 7 - 11* HelpLocations* Towaoc, CO Few vacancies* Acomita, NM Few vacancies* Albuquerque, NM Few vacancies* Cochiti Pueblo, NM Few vacancies* Show more locations (9)* Dulce, NM Few vacancies* Mescalero, NM Few vacancies* San Felipe Pueblo, NM Few vacancies* Santa Ana Pueblo, NM Few vacancies* Santa Clara Pueblo, NM Few vacancies* Santa Fe, NM Few vacancies* Taos, NM Few vacancies* Zia Indian Reservation, NM Few vacancies* Zuni, NM Few vacancies* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleNo* Travel RequiredOccasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.* Relocation expenses reimbursedYes-Relocation expenses may be authorized depending on approval by management at time of recruitment. When relocation expenses are authorized, you will be required to sign a one year service agreement. Failure to fulfill the one year service agreement may result in repayment of relocation expenses.* Appointment typeMultiple Appointment Types* Work scheduleMultiple Schedules* ServiceCompetitive* Promotion potential11* Job family (Series)* 0644 Clinical Laboratory Science* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceOther* Drug testNo* Position sensitivity and riskModerate Risk (MR)* Trust determination process* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberIHS-24-AQ-12489322-ESEP/MP* Control number802078100HelpThis job is open to* Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.* Federal employees - Excepted serviceCurrent excepted service federal employees.* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.* Veterans* Individuals with disabilities* Military spouses* Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.* Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista* Land and base managementCertain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.* Native AmericansNative Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.Clarification from the agencyThe IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.VideosHelpDutiesThe Clinical Laboratory Scientist positions are located within the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service which there may not be immediate vacancies at all duty locations. This position reports to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist or the Clinical Director at the facility.The incumbent is responsible for the Pre-Analytical, Analytical, and Post-Analytical application of established laboratory procedures in accordance to regulatory guidelines for examinations of blood, and other body fluids in the clinical laboratory. Work assignments are in such specialization as chemistry, hematology, coagulation, serology, immunology, urinalysis, microbiology, and immunohematology.* Use appropriate functions of the laboratory package, including ordering patient tests and accessioning tests ordered by the provider.* Withdraws appropriate quantities of blood by venipuncture, capillary, and/or arterial puncture as required using appropriate age specific techniques.* Evaluates the specimen for integrity and analysis.* Analyzes quality control specimens, record results and determines report ability of results.* Follows accreditation standards, regulatory agency requirements and institutional policies regarding blood borne pathogen, internal/external disaster policy, infection control, chemical hygiene, fire and electrical safety.* Sets up, operates and/or utilizes appropriate equipment, instruments, containers and other devices and materials to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances.* Prepares solutions, stains, reagents and media required for the conduct of tests/examinations.* Interprets and evaluates results of tests/examinations in process and upon completion in order to recognize anticipated reactions and departures from the norm.* Exercises professional judgment and experience in determining the causes or possible significance of improper or imprecise outcomes and in repeating or altering procedures and techniques to correct abnormalities and deviations.* Maintains laboratory supply inventory and orders supplies.* Provides technical assistance to lower graded or entry-level trainees.* Performs other duties as assigned.HelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentSelectee may be subject to a probationary/trial periodESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial periodU.S. Citizenship is requiredSelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.Alternate work schedule, call backs, standby duty, rotating shifts, nights/weekends/holidays may be required to provide continuity of service.You will be required to have all federal salary payments electronically deposited into a bank account with a financial institution of your choice.Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.QualificationsTo qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):EDUCATION* 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(external link) at the time the degree was obtained.OR* 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.OR* A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university, including 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 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, cytotechnology, 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 the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-07:* Successfully completed at least 1-year of graduate level education in (1) the general field of medical technology, (2) one of the specialized areas of medical technology, or (3) a field directly related and applicable to medical technology or the position to be filled. -OR-* Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: assist senior technologist in preparing reagents; assisting with performance of routine laboratory tests; follow procedures to ensure quality control; using basic laboratory equipment and instruments. -OR-* Possess a combination of education and specialized experience that when combined; fully meet the qualifications of this position. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. -OR-* Successfully completed a 4-year course of study in a relevant field leading to a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university, AND meet one of the following requirements for Superior Academic Achievement. (1) Graduated with at least an overall GPA of 2.95, (2) Graduated with at least a 3.45 GPA in major or during the last two years of college, (3) Graduated in the top third of class, or (4) A member of a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-09:* Successfully completed at least 2-years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree 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. -OR-* Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: perform procedures of a routine and complex nature in all clinical laboratory sections; standardize and/or calibrate section instruments; prepare reagents and controls; assist in maintaining quality control; and perform electronic standardization procedures for laboratory instrumentation function. -OR-* Possess a combination of education and specialized experience that when combined; fully meet the qualifications of this position. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-11:* Successfully completed at least 3-years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D degree or equivalent doctoral degree 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. - OR-* Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: processing patient samples and conducting analysis; maintaining section records; recognizing repeating unusual or unexpected test results; calculate results using statistical and analytical formulas; operating complex clinical analyzers; provide training to junior and generalist technologists; and performs phlebotomy. -OR-* Possess a combination of education and specialized experience that when combined; fully meet the qualifications of this position. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.EducationThis position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: 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 informationTime In GradeFederal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.This position may or may not be covered by Bargaining Unit depending on duty location.Government housing may or may not be authorized depending on duty location and availability.Recruitment or relocation incentives may or may not be authorized and is subject to availability and service unit approval. If offered, you will be required to sign at least a 12 month service agreement. Failure to fulfill the service agreement will result in repayment of the incentive.Uniform allowance may or may not be authorized and is subject to service unit approval.This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:For IHS - NHSC - HRSA Nurse Corps - position has promotion potential to the GS-11 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and Regulatory/Administrative approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions.You will be further evaluated/rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions to determine your competency in the following:* Administration and Management* Interpersonal Skills* Quality Assurance* Technical Competence* Technology AwarenessYou will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the assessment questionnaires. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration.The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a well qualified rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.* Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 15 days after the JOA open date. Other Cut-off dates will be established based on the date requests for Lists of Eligibles are received to fill other vacancies. 10-pt. Veterans Preference applicants who submit a complete application after a Cut-off date but before the List of Eligibles is issued, will be considered and referred on the list, if qualified.Click here to view vacancy questions: All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 12/31/2024, to be considered.* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.* Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only. Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application ( along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.Superior Academic Achievement: If claiming eligibility for Superior Academic Achievement, candidates must provide copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) must be included at the time of initial application. If unable to obtain transcripts, candidates must provide sufficient evidence to validate courses completed and credit hours earned. Eligibility is based on one of the following:* Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision and based on completed courses.* Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a G.P.A. of: a.) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (''B or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or b.) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ( B+ or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.* Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed here Association of College Honor Societies. Official transcripts may be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 12/31/2024The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 15 days after the JOA open date.Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.* How to ApplyTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.* Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.* Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.* Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly.* Complete the assessment questions.* Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Candace Chischilly, [email protected], and/or (505) ###-####.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: contact informationCandace ChischillyPhone (505) ###-#### Fax (505) ###-#### Email [email protected] Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service4101 Indian School Rd NE, Suite 225Albuquerque, NM 87110USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsYou can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~* Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.* Criminal history inquiries* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy* Financial suitability* New employee probationary period* Privacy Act* Reasonable accommodation policy* Selective Service* Signature and false statements* Social security number requestHelpRequired DocumentsResume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual sal