Supervisory HLA Scientist
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Montgomery County, Maryland
- Closing date
- Oct 26, 2019
View more
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Function
- Administrative
- Hours
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
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Duties
Summary
The Clinical Center is the clinical research hospital for the National Institutes of Health. It is one of the largest medical research hospitals in the world. Through clinical research, clinician-investigators translate laboratory discoveries into better treatments, therapies and interventions to improve the nation's health.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
The incumbent manages the HLA Laboratory and supervises a staff of Clinical Laboratory Specialists and Biologists performing molecular sequencing (Sanger and NGS) of HLA and KIR genes, and HLA antibody identification. Key duties of the position include:
Takes overall responsibility for the proper conduct, quality assurance and evaluation of laboratory procedures;
Assures that the laboratory quality control and proficiency programs meet the requirements of professional licensing and accrediting organizations such as the AABB, ASHI and FDA;
Makes daily decisions concerning the scheduling of testing, organization and assignment of workload;
Writes, reviews and updates standard operating procedures (SOP) and work instructions
(WI) for all activities performed in the laboratory in compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards of the FDA, CMS, AABB, ASHI, and the Joint Commission, as applicable;
Reviews and ensures the accuracy of information distributed to patient care providers;
Attends various transplant meetings and interacts with research nurses/clinicians to enhance two way communication between the HLA laboratory and the care team;
Compiles antibody reports to ensure antibody profile workup is complete and clear;
Provides transfusion support for HLA refractory patients;
Keeps the HLA Laboratory Director informed of various cases for transfusion support and transplant that may require additional consultation;
Interacts with lab staff to define section needs for hardware and software, and coordinates requests for IT services;
Selects, validates and implements software necessary to run all analysis and process management performed in the laboratory;
Performs technical troubleshooting of instruments, temperature monitoring systems, and IT systems;
Reviews operational systems and initiates process improvement, corrective actions, and preventive actions, when necessary;
Reviews research protocols for significant resource impact prior to implementation in the laboratory;Collaborates and participates in developmental and research activities of the laboratory under the guidance of the Section Chief and HLA Laboratory Director;
Plans and conducts technical training of clinical fellows, visiting scientists, medical technology students and specialists.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
Yes
Promotion Potential
13
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:
Minimum Education Requirement:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.
Additional Qualifications at the GS-13 level: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Overseeing histocompatibility testing in compliance with personnel standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (T42 CFR 493:CLIA) and the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI); assisting with the development of long and short range goals; advising on the use of resources and organization of work including revised procedures due to changes in technology; serving as an HLA and transplant consultant to patient-care physicians regarding test selection, interpretation and limitation of test procedures; and, addressing operational inefficiencies, determining budgetary needs and projecting the needs of the laboratory.
Do not cop y and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
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, 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.
Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10610893
Education
This 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. Click here for information on Foreign Education .
Additional information
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
To determine your qualifications and referral status, a review of your resume and supporting documentation may be made and compared against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Because your rating is based on both your responses to the questionnaire and documentation you submit, please make sure that your self-ratings are supported by the information you provide in your application. Your qualifications and self-ratings may be verified at any time during the application and selection process through quality review, interview questions, work samples, demonstrations, reference checks, and any other means. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts on the assessment questionnaire or in any other materials you submit in support of your candidacy (including but not limited to the application), or in any oral statements you may make during the selection process shall be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as having knowledge of your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin prior to receiving an offer.
To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other
Drug test required
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness
Required Documents
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS
RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
1. Job title
2. Name of employer
3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website , USAJOBS Resource Cente r, and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial.
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.
All the above information is necessary to determine your qualifications for the position. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, career transition selection priority, Schedule A eligibility or military spouse, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
Schedule A Eligibility (Applicants with Disabilities)
Applicants who are eligible to be considered under Schedule A must submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation must be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. The Schedule A and military spouse hiring authorities do not guarantee employment or, you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.
If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not eligible for any preference or eligibility.
Do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
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.
Summary
The Clinical Center is the clinical research hospital for the National Institutes of Health. It is one of the largest medical research hospitals in the world. Through clinical research, clinician-investigators translate laboratory discoveries into better treatments, therapies and interventions to improve the nation's health.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
The incumbent manages the HLA Laboratory and supervises a staff of Clinical Laboratory Specialists and Biologists performing molecular sequencing (Sanger and NGS) of HLA and KIR genes, and HLA antibody identification. Key duties of the position include:
Takes overall responsibility for the proper conduct, quality assurance and evaluation of laboratory procedures;
Assures that the laboratory quality control and proficiency programs meet the requirements of professional licensing and accrediting organizations such as the AABB, ASHI and FDA;
Makes daily decisions concerning the scheduling of testing, organization and assignment of workload;
Writes, reviews and updates standard operating procedures (SOP) and work instructions
(WI) for all activities performed in the laboratory in compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards of the FDA, CMS, AABB, ASHI, and the Joint Commission, as applicable;
Reviews and ensures the accuracy of information distributed to patient care providers;
Attends various transplant meetings and interacts with research nurses/clinicians to enhance two way communication between the HLA laboratory and the care team;
Compiles antibody reports to ensure antibody profile workup is complete and clear;
Provides transfusion support for HLA refractory patients;
Keeps the HLA Laboratory Director informed of various cases for transfusion support and transplant that may require additional consultation;
Interacts with lab staff to define section needs for hardware and software, and coordinates requests for IT services;
Selects, validates and implements software necessary to run all analysis and process management performed in the laboratory;
Performs technical troubleshooting of instruments, temperature monitoring systems, and IT systems;
Reviews operational systems and initiates process improvement, corrective actions, and preventive actions, when necessary;
Reviews research protocols for significant resource impact prior to implementation in the laboratory;Collaborates and participates in developmental and research activities of the laboratory under the guidance of the Section Chief and HLA Laboratory Director;
Plans and conducts technical training of clinical fellows, visiting scientists, medical technology students and specialists.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
Yes
Promotion Potential
13
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
- Position is subject to a background investigation.
- Position requires a Pre-employment physical.
- Position requires Education.
- This position is Emergency Essential.
- Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Qualifications
You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:
Minimum Education Requirement:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.
Additional Qualifications at the GS-13 level: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Overseeing histocompatibility testing in compliance with personnel standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (T42 CFR 493:CLIA) and the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI); assisting with the development of long and short range goals; advising on the use of resources and organization of work including revised procedures due to changes in technology; serving as an HLA and transplant consultant to patient-care physicians regarding test selection, interpretation and limitation of test procedures; and, addressing operational inefficiencies, determining budgetary needs and projecting the needs of the laboratory.
Do not cop y and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
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, 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.
Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10610893
Education
This 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. Click here for information on Foreign Education .
Additional information
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
- This position is designated as an " emergency essential " position and the selected candidate will be considered an " emergency essential " employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
- A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
- At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities : telework, remote work, compressed schedules, flexible schedules.
- PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
- We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s).
- If selected, you must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program ( E-Verify ). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
- The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
- Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
- Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
- Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
To determine your qualifications and referral status, a review of your resume and supporting documentation may be made and compared against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Because your rating is based on both your responses to the questionnaire and documentation you submit, please make sure that your self-ratings are supported by the information you provide in your application. Your qualifications and self-ratings may be verified at any time during the application and selection process through quality review, interview questions, work samples, demonstrations, reference checks, and any other means. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts on the assessment questionnaire or in any other materials you submit in support of your candidacy (including but not limited to the application), or in any oral statements you may make during the selection process shall be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as having knowledge of your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin prior to receiving an offer.
To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Other
Drug test required
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness
Required Documents
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS
RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
1. Job title
2. Name of employer
3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website , USAJOBS Resource Cente r, and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial.
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.
All the above information is necessary to determine your qualifications for the position. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, career transition selection priority, Schedule A eligibility or military spouse, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
- Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
- Visit our sites on Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency / Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information and required documentation.
- Visit our site on the Appointment of Certain Military Spouses for more information and required documentation to verify eligibility.
Schedule A Eligibility (Applicants with Disabilities)
Applicants who are eligible to be considered under Schedule A must submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation must be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. The Schedule A and military spouse hiring authorities do not guarantee employment or, you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.
If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not eligible for any preference or eligibility.
Do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
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.
You need to sign in or create an account to save a job.
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