Podiatrist - Service Chief (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Overview

Summary This is an open continuous announcement until May 25 - 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Announcement may be extended if the applicant pool is limited or closed earlier if no longer needed. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. PLEASE REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION FOR DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO UPLOAD RESUME/CV THAT IS LONGER THAN 2 PAGES.

Responsibilities

• Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (P&LM) Service provides a broad range of testing and consultative services in laboratory medicine - anatomic and clinical pathology - every day - at the Seattle Campus
• Services for the American Lake campus laboratory which offers access to the same pathology services and clinical laboratory onsite
• Overall - P&LM offers client services - chemistry - toxicology - hematology - coagulation - urinalysis - transfusion - serology - microbiology - molecular microbiology - cytology - including fine needle aspiration - autopsy - surgical pathology - including immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy - and point of care testing oversight at multiple locations
• Duties include but are not limited to: Supervising the work of subordinate staff engaged in professional - managerial - technical - and other lab support activities
• Monitoring work performance
• Delegating work effectively
• Analyzing a variety of complex laboratory issues and making sound clinical recommendations
• Planning - developing - and coordinating quality control and quality improvement programs
• Utilizing technology tools - including computer hardware and software - to efficiently perform duties
• Assisting with and coordinating the improvement of such tools
• Overseeing activities of clinical laboratory medicine - both anatomic and clinical pathology sections - and providing supervision of the Laboratory Manager - Quality Manager - and Section Chiefs
• Overseeing the quality of services performed by contracted commercial reference laboratories
• Defining metrics and ensuring a program of routine monitoring and quality improvement for processes - both internal and external to P&LMS
• Ensuring P&LM staff receive adequate initial and periodic training and proficiency or competence assessment
• Providing consultation and guidance to health care providers regarding matters pertaining to pathology and laboratory medicine and the medical significance of laboratory findings
• Identifying and overseeing all testing performed within the facility and outreach clinics - and providing assistance and oversight to ensure that any testing performed complies with existing VHA policies - to include oversight responsibility for Ancillary Testing Sites - and participating in the evaluation of test appropriateness for the institution regardless of the testing site
• The VA Medical Center's Ancillary Testing Coordinator or other staff appointed by the Laboratory Director must provide quality improvement oversight in each Ancillary Testing Site
• Performing site visits of the American Lake Laboratory and community-based outpatient clinics where laboratory services are offered at least quarterly and as needed to maintain high-quality services
• Other duties as assigned

Work Schedule & Environment

• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 8:00AM to 4:30PM
• Telework: Not authorized
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: Competitive salary - annual performance bonus - regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
• 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)
• CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
• Credits/Certifications: Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
• Note: VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.