Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities Medical Technologist (Microbiology/TB) GS-0644-07/09 Duties include but are not limited to the following description: The incumbent serves a medical technologist at the VA CT Microbiology Laboratory which supports the medical facility in the diagnosis and treatment of infections. This laboratory offers a wide range of culture, antigen and molecular test procedures for the diagnosis of bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal infections. An MT/CLS at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. In general, the work performed is in the broad category of Microbiology and Molecular Biology and the position include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public. The medical technologist works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. Functions include but are not limited to the following description: Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if needed. Prepares specimens for analysis, insuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained. Selects and performs test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques (with increasing emphasis on molecular methods), in accordance with established protocols. Locates errors/problems and implements corrections in accordance with established protocols. The tests and procedures performed include examination for a wide variety of organisms, common and uncommon; aerobic, anaerobic, and microaerophilic; fastidious and non-fastidious. The isolation and identification of these organisms, many of them to the species level, includes the following: Inoculation of artificial culture media and incubation under conditions of appropriate atmosphere and temperature. Making, examination, and interpretation of microscopic preparations for bacteria and mycobacteria, potassium hydroxide preparations and India ink preparations for fungi, and dark field examinations for spirochetes. Careful examination of primary isolation media (after incubation for an appropriate period of time) in order to determine what growth, if any, represents "normal flora", what organisms can be identified simply by their colonial morphology, and what organisms must be sub cultured and studied biochemically, microscopically, by molecular methods and/or serologically in order to identify them. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the health care provider. Calls healthcare providers to report test results or request further information and/or specimens. Performs Antimicrobial susceptibility studies on many of the organisms isolated and identified using a variety of methods including the automated Microscan micro broth dilution method, the traditional Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, agar dilutions, and E test procedure. Performs identification of fungi, utilizing gross and microscopic morphology as well as selected biochemical and other tests. Responsible for the generation of accurate laboratory results, keeps records of all work done in the laboratory. Responsible for entering, editing and verifying results recorded into the computer system. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products; evaluates results of these quality control tests and implements corrective actions when indicated; keeps records for quality control reports. Operates instruments utilizing established protocols (i.e., HPLC, Cepheid, Microscan, and other automated equipment). Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments according to established protocols. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Recognizes instrument malfunction and identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple adjustments. Ensures that working area is clean, orderly and stocked with all required supplies. Keeps inventory of necessary supplies and requests the order of supplies as needed. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, rotating weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Hannah Neilson at Hannah.Neilson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. 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. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Proficiency: Proficiency in spoken and written English is required by 38 USC 7402(d) and 7407(d). 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.), 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, 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 in organic 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, 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 in organic 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: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 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). 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). Grade Determinations: Medical Technologist (Microbiology/TB) GS-07 (Entry Level) Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Medical Technologist (Microbiology/TB) GS-09 (Full Performance Level) Experience: Must have one-year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education: Must have master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Additional functions include but are not limited to the following description: Notifies director/supervisor of existing or recurrent problems with results or equipment. Completes all required paperwork in cases of quality control variances and equipment malfunctions. Participates in continuing education to keep current on new advancements in instrumentation, techniques and procedures. On occasion submits atypical organisms to a reference for identification, typing, epidemiological, or study purposes. Participates in surveillance and other studies carried out in cooperation with the hospital's nurse epidemiologist. Prepares media and reagents used in the laboratory according to prescribed directions, analyzes them for reactivity and takes any necessary corrective action. Assists the supervisor in the development and evaluation of new techniques and procedures, in developing and monitoring quality control standards and results, and in developing and maintaining data collection systems for various aspects of the laboratory function, including those related to quality assurance and continuous quality improvement (CQI). Observes infectious sample, hazardous and toxic chemical protocols. Performs other related work as assigned References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G24. Physical Requirements: The work requires moderate standing, stooping, pushing, pulling, walking, reaching over-head, bending, lifting light/moderate objects and to have good visual acuity and appropriate hearing for a mechanized environment. The work involves constant exposure to biohazards and chemical hazards in a controlled environment. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.