U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
role at
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Join to apply for the
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
position at the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . The position is posted 2 days ago and is open to the first 25 applicants.
Base pay range $67,258.00/yr - $129,394.00/yr
Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Programme (EDRP) – a student‑loan repayment programme.
Candidates must meet the specific eligibility criteria and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment.
The award amount (up to $200,000) and the eligibility period (1‑5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office after a full review of the application.
Qualifications
Applicants may be referred and tentatively selected before completing educational or certification/licensure requirements, but they may not be hired until all requirements are met.
United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Education: A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following certification options: Generalist certification as an MLS issued by ASCP BOC or AMT.
Generalist certification as an MT issued by ASCP BOR or AMT.
Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
Exception for non‑certified applicants: Candidates who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward certification if they meet one of the routes identified in VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G24 that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through the AMT Certification Agency.
Non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
Non‑certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
Non‑certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted or converted until certification is obtained.
Temporary appointments of non‑certified CLS may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria).
Grade determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet the following grade‑determining criteria for placement at the specified grade levels: GS‑07: Experience – none beyond the basic requirements.
GS‑09: Experience or Education – candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, OR a Master’s degree or two academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
GS‑11: Experience or Education – candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, OR three full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures, quality control, assurance principles, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Ability to work as a team member, read and interpret written instructions, accurately perform all testing phases, and apply independent technical judgment.
Ability to communicate, consult, and interact effectively with other healthcare team members, customers, and patient education.
Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles and practices, and of laboratory performance‑improvement procedures.
Skills in laboratory informatics, instrumentation maintenance, and data flow.
Preferred Experience and Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of professional laboratory scientist principles, quality control, and performance‑improvement procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions and to communicate results and recommendations.
Physical requirements: Standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening.
Work environment: Office/clinic setting with normal safety precautions; requires multitasking amid sometimes stressful situations.
Reference for more information:
VA Qualification Standards .
Duties
Total Rewards: Allied Health Professional at DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) – Houston, TX – under the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in the General Chemistry and Rapid Analytical Chemistry division.
Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures, including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation.
Perform advanced and complex laboratory procedures, recognize deviations from expected results, analyse and correct problems using scientific principles.
Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiological processes and requirements.
Maintain and document optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, calibrating, identifying malfunctions, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance.
Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
Implement quality control and assurance activities, and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles.
Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity regulations, identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and influencing factors.
Interpret results, suggest follow‑up test selections or procedures, and evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures in the laboratory.
Incorporate educational methodology in training new employees and students, and in the laboratory’s in‑service/continuing education program.
Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member; provide excellent customer service to healthcare providers, patients, and others.
Give direction and guidance using underlying laboratory testing principles.
Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, alternating holidays and weekends, subject to change based on facility needs.
Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized. Permanent change of station (relocation assistance): Not authorized. EDRP authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
Contact demetrius.roberts@va.gov for EDRP Coordinator questions/assistance.
Salary: Competitive with regular increases; higher step rates may be determined for higher or unique qualifications.
Paid time off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays); possible credit to annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience.
Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment (birth, adoption, or foster care).
Child‑care subsidy: After 60 days, full‑time employees with family income below $144,000 may qualify for up to 25 % subsidy (max $416.66/month).
Retirement: Federal pension (five years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % employer match.
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care.
Telework: Not available. Virtual: Not applicable.
Functional statement #: 580‑02050‑F, 580‑02051‑F, 580‑02052‑F.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industry: Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by 2×.
Additional Job Titles
Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Microbiology (Houston, TX; $67,258.00‑$129,394.00)
Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Bank (Days)
Clinical Laboratory Technologist – Flow Cytometry
Medical Laboratory Scientist I – Microbiology
Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Bank (Days)
Medical Laboratory Scientist I – Molecular and Microbiology
Medical Technologist (Notional Opportunity)
Medical Laboratory Scientist I – Hematology
Medical Technologist – Tue‑Sat – Strawberry Clinic (Houston, TX; $119,305.00‑$155,103.00)
Medical Laboratory Scientist, PRN, Evening Shift
Medical Laboratory Scientist II – Microbiology & Mycology
Medical Technologist Supervisor (Notional Opportunity)
Medical Technologist, or MLT, Days, part‑time
Med Lab Scientist, LabServ – VL Pathology (Casual Appointment, Weekend Evenings)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
role at
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Join to apply for the
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
position at the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . The position is posted 2 days ago and is open to the first 25 applicants.
Base pay range $67,258.00/yr - $129,394.00/yr
Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Programme (EDRP) – a student‑loan repayment programme.
Candidates must meet the specific eligibility criteria and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment.
The award amount (up to $200,000) and the eligibility period (1‑5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office after a full review of the application.
Qualifications
Applicants may be referred and tentatively selected before completing educational or certification/licensure requirements, but they may not be hired until all requirements are met.
United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Education: A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following certification options: Generalist certification as an MLS issued by ASCP BOC or AMT.
Generalist certification as an MT issued by ASCP BOR or AMT.
Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
Exception for non‑certified applicants: Candidates who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward certification if they meet one of the routes identified in VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G24 that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through the AMT Certification Agency.
Non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
Non‑certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
Non‑certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted or converted until certification is obtained.
Temporary appointments of non‑certified CLS may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria).
Grade determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet the following grade‑determining criteria for placement at the specified grade levels: GS‑07: Experience – none beyond the basic requirements.
GS‑09: Experience or Education – candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, OR a Master’s degree or two academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
GS‑11: Experience or Education – candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, OR three full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures, quality control, assurance principles, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Ability to work as a team member, read and interpret written instructions, accurately perform all testing phases, and apply independent technical judgment.
Ability to communicate, consult, and interact effectively with other healthcare team members, customers, and patient education.
Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles and practices, and of laboratory performance‑improvement procedures.
Skills in laboratory informatics, instrumentation maintenance, and data flow.
Preferred Experience and Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of professional laboratory scientist principles, quality control, and performance‑improvement procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions and to communicate results and recommendations.
Physical requirements: Standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening.
Work environment: Office/clinic setting with normal safety precautions; requires multitasking amid sometimes stressful situations.
Reference for more information:
VA Qualification Standards .
Duties
Total Rewards: Allied Health Professional at DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) – Houston, TX – under the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in the General Chemistry and Rapid Analytical Chemistry division.
Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures, including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation.
Perform advanced and complex laboratory procedures, recognize deviations from expected results, analyse and correct problems using scientific principles.
Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiological processes and requirements.
Maintain and document optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, calibrating, identifying malfunctions, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance.
Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
Implement quality control and assurance activities, and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles.
Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity regulations, identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, and influencing factors.
Interpret results, suggest follow‑up test selections or procedures, and evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures in the laboratory.
Incorporate educational methodology in training new employees and students, and in the laboratory’s in‑service/continuing education program.
Communicate effectively and courteously as a healthcare team member; provide excellent customer service to healthcare providers, patients, and others.
Give direction and guidance using underlying laboratory testing principles.
Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, alternating holidays and weekends, subject to change based on facility needs.
Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized. Permanent change of station (relocation assistance): Not authorized. EDRP authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
Contact demetrius.roberts@va.gov for EDRP Coordinator questions/assistance.
Salary: Competitive with regular increases; higher step rates may be determined for higher or unique qualifications.
Paid time off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays); possible credit to annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience.
Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment (birth, adoption, or foster care).
Child‑care subsidy: After 60 days, full‑time employees with family income below $144,000 may qualify for up to 25 % subsidy (max $416.66/month).
Retirement: Federal pension (five years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % employer match.
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care.
Telework: Not available. Virtual: Not applicable.
Functional statement #: 580‑02050‑F, 580‑02051‑F, 580‑02052‑F.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industry: Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by 2×.
Additional Job Titles
Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Microbiology (Houston, TX; $67,258.00‑$129,394.00)
Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Bank (Days)
Clinical Laboratory Technologist – Flow Cytometry
Medical Laboratory Scientist I – Microbiology
Medical Laboratory Scientist – Blood Bank (Days)
Medical Laboratory Scientist I – Molecular and Microbiology
Medical Technologist (Notional Opportunity)
Medical Laboratory Scientist I – Hematology
Medical Technologist – Tue‑Sat – Strawberry Clinic (Houston, TX; $119,305.00‑$155,103.00)
Medical Laboratory Scientist, PRN, Evening Shift
Medical Laboratory Scientist II – Microbiology & Mycology
Medical Technologist Supervisor (Notional Opportunity)
Medical Technologist, or MLT, Days, part‑time
Med Lab Scientist, LabServ – VL Pathology (Casual Appointment, Weekend Evenings)
#J-18808-Ljbffr