Clinical Laboratory Scientist

What you would do

• Perform lab tests in areas such as chemistry, microbiology, and hematology.
• Run tests on biological and environmental samples using manual or automated methods.
• Do quality control checks and routine maintenance on lab equipment.
• Interpret abnormal lab results and decide whether more tests are needed.
• Organize and set priorities with minimal technical supervision.
• Teach lab staff, health care workers, and the public.

Do you qualify for GS-7 to GS-11?

With experience: For GS-7 (entry level), no experience beyond the basic requirements is needed. For GS-9, you need 1 year of experience equal to GS-7 level work, or you can qualify with education. For GS-11 (the full level), you need 1 year of experience equal to GS-9 level work, or you can qualify with education.

With education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is a basic requirement. For GS-9, a master's degree or two academic years of graduate study in medical technology or a directly related science can qualify you instead of experience. For GS-11, three full years of graduate study, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science, can qualify you instead of experience.

Licenses and certifications you need:

• Generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) from ASCP BOC or AMT, or as a Medical Technologist (MT) from ASCP BOR or AMT
• Categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT, accepted only for certain higher-graded or related positions

How to apply well

What to send:

• Long-form resume or CV
• Transcript, required if you use education to qualify
• SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee
• Cover letter, if you choose to include one

How you will be rated: You will be rated on how well you meet the listed qualifications, based on an online occupational questionnaire. The VA verifies your experience and will not make assumptions, so unclear or missing details can lower your rating; if selected, you may also need to submit written answers about your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Tips for this job:

• Make your long-form resume or CV clear and specific about dates, duties, and hours; the 2-page resume limit does not apply here.
• If you use education to qualify, include an official transcript from an accredited school.
• Check that your certification matches the type of position you apply for, since categorical or specialist certifications are not accepted for all roles.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Intermittent hours; the schedule varies. Compressed or flexible schedules are not authorized.

Incentives and relocation: Relocation incentive is not authorized. Listed benefits include paid time off, parental leave, a childcare subsidy, retirement plans, and health and life insurance.

Conditions of employment:

• U.S. citizenship required
• Urinalysis drug test before appointment
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Background and security investigation
• Online onboarding with acceptable ID; non-REAL ID driver's licenses are not accepted
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
• May require a credentialing process
• Seasonal flu vaccination required, or an approved exemption
• 1 or 2-year trial period
• Pending certification may allow tentative selection, but not hiring, until requirements are met
• Non-certified applicants may be hired at entry level under set limits
• Physical requirements follow VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Job details

Salary

$72,272 – $139,054 per year

Pay scale and grade

GS-7 to GS-11 · General Schedule

Location

Augusta, Maine

Appointment

Permanent

Work schedule

Intermittent

Service

Excepted

Openings

1

Security clearance

Not Required

Travel

Not required

Drug test

Not required

Supervisory

No

Occupation

Clinical Laboratory Science (0644)

Announcement

CBTD-13103175-27-DD