The incumbent is assigned complex, specialized duties beyond routine lab work. A higher-level understanding of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology & Serology testing is needed. The work performed may be in a variety of lab disciplines including those outside of Micro. Assignments may include but are not limited to test development, QA, maintenance, QC, create/review procedures, training/competency, & act as a subject matter expert in Microbiology and its subspecialties. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/04/2024. Qualifications Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education and/or Experience Combination-Transcripts Submitted(1) 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 science such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course inorganic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification(ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course inorganic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following: A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification-Documentation Submitted: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related field. Assignments. These assignments require specialized training and experience and have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment. Employees must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead Medical Technologist. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance. Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload. 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 and meet the criteria). Preferred Experience: Five or more years Microbiology experience including bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, serology, and molecular testing. Experience with quality assurance and control programs (including IQCP), accreditation requirements and inspections, validations/implementations of new assays/instruments, and training/competency. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and light carrying (15-44 pounds), use of both hands and fingers, standing for 2-3 hours, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, mentally and emotionally stable, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception and ability to work with solvents. Frequent keyboarding and computer work required. Work Conditions may include but not limited to: The work involves regular recurring risk of discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory, e.g., working with irritant reagents. ["The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) is a two-division campus located in Cincinnati, OH and Fort Thomas, KY serving 15 counties in Southwest OH, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana with 6 Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bellevue, KY; Florence, KY; Lawrenceburg, IN; Hamilton, OH; Clermont County, OH, and Georgetown, OH. The CVAMC also supports two off main campus locations in the Cincinnati area via an Eye Center and Mental Health Outreach Community Division. A Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Specialist at this level has professional oversight responsibilities including but not limited to responsibility for large scale automated analytical instrument systems, reviews quality control and maintenance records, QA, collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and provides education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public. The duties and responsibilities of the Lead Medical Technologist may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation in Microbiology Bacteriology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology, Serology, Immunology, Molecular and Environmental Microbiology. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment in Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, Molecular Microbiology, or others as required. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction in these same departments. Assists the supervisor in creating new or modifying existing procedures as testing requirements change. Leads verifications and validations for new equipment, reagents, or tests brought into the department. Reports back to supervisor on progress and issues. Participates in quality assurance efforts by identifying quality improvement indicators for section operations. Develops a system to monitor indicators to effectively identify problem and/or potential problem areas. Recommends and implements corrective actions when indicated to improve patient care efforts of the P&LMS. Reviews regulatory compliance requirements (CAP checklists, Joint Commission standards, Patient Safety Goals) and works with the Microbiology supervisor to implement policies and procedures to assure compliance. Create any Individualized quality control plans (IQCP), as needed and applicable. Monitors and screens all Microbiology orders for appropriateness, using established criteria and requiring an understanding of disease entities and/or clinical situations. Organizes and prepares training and competency of staff including initial, semiannual, and annual for all department testing. Evaluates the validity of statistical data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic and morphologic data with other laboratory and/or other patient information to verify results. Performs additional tests as per department's protocol, to certify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports via computer and telephone. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures for all departments in the laboratory. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm - including rotating weekends and holidays - 7:00am - 3:30pm; subject to change to meet the needs of the agency. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Medical Technologist (Microbiology)/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: None"]

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