Clinical Laboratory Scientist

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. NOTE: Starting and ending salaries will vary based on location requested. Minimum salary will be the lowest step 1 salary of the applicable pay tables and max will be the highest step 10 salary rate of the pay tables. This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until April 30, 2026. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): * Using their comprehensive knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts and theories to produce sound independent work; * Applying their comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles to consistently manage quality control, process improvements, inventories and documentation in laboratory operations; * Properly collecting, handling, accessioning and labeling specimens according to safety, patient identification and infection control policies; * Evaluating the suitability and preparation of specimens for analysis, maintaining seamless identification, preserving the viability of the specimen and ensuring uniformity is maintained; * Recognizing abnormal results that require follow up testing, confirming accuracy of abnormal results and communicating to clinic care providers effectively; * Recognizing and reacting to indicators of malfunction and implementing corrections; * Conducting quality control procedures for processes including equipment, reagents and products; * Assisting in covering technical and phlebotomy work areas during staffing shortages; * Comprehending and respecting accreditation standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Joint Commission (TJC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB); * Performing and advising ancillary testing operators of proficiency testing (PT) processes; * Communicating, consulting, and interacting with laboratory patients, clinical staff, facility 'customers', vendors, private care offices, and all patient care teams; * Performing laboratory work according to the safety standards, precautions and awareness required to work in a bio-hazard area with flammable and reactive chemicals. This announcement is being used to fill a variety of positions across 8 Veterans Affairs Medical facilities located in Alexandria, LA, Biloxi, MS, Fayetteville, AR, Houston, TX, Jackson, MS, Little Rock, AR New Orleans, LA, and Shreveport, LA. Applicants may select the location(s) they wish to be considered in the application. Exact duties and expectations will be discussed during the interview process. Work Schedule: Work schedules may vary based on the location requested and needs of the service. Tour of duty is subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the Human Resources Specialist for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Will vary based on the location selected Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Created: 2026-04-15