Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Chemistry
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Before you apply
Salary$108k – $140k
LocationPhoenix, Arizona, United States
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience1+ yrs
DepartmentVeterans Health Administration
Company size10,000+ people
PostedOct 23, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live5d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Generalist certification as MLS (ASCP BOC or AMT) or MT (ASCP BOR or AMT) or Categorical/Specialist certification (ASCP or AMT)
1 year creditable experience equivalent to GS-09
3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.D. in medical technology or directly related science
Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures
Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes
Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation
Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions
Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team
Working knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts
Hospital laboratory experience
U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Subject to urinalysis drug screening
Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Subject to background/security investigation
Complete online onboarding process
Pass pre-employment medical evaluation
Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program
Serve a 2-year trial period
Benefits
Paid time off
Parental leave
Child care subsidy
Retirement plan
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Long term care insurance
Sign on bonus
Summary
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist works within the Pathology and Laboratory service line at the Phoenix VA. The CLS will work independently as they carry out day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements.
Duties
Benefits
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Major Duties:
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Performs a broad range of standard, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures, recognizes deviations from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles, and recognizes and communicates predefined critical results to appropriate staff.
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Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, understands specimen requirements, and accounts for physiologic processes that may affect specimen analysis.
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Maintains laboratory equipment and documents maintenance according to laboratory policies and procedures. Performs instrument calibrations and repairs, provides preventive maintenance, identifies instrument malfunctions, and documents and resolves deviations of instrument performance.
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Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
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Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
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Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, FDA, NEO, JC, MBB, and OSHA.
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Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions.
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Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test resuIts, interprets resuIts and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
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Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
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Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm rotating weekends and holidays
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator 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 #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Requirements
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You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
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All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
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Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
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Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
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Subject to background/security investigation.
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Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
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Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation.
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Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
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Complete all application requirements detailed in the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
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your performance and conduct;
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the needs and interests of the agency;
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whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
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whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
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United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
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English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
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Education. A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
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Certification.
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Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
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Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
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Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
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Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
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Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:
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Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. OR
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The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11
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Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
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Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. or
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Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
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Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
•
Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
•
Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
•
Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
•
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
•
Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
Nice to have
Preferred Experience: Current working knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts. Hospital laboratory experience preferred.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Moderate Lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light Carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Walking - 2 hours; Standing - 2 hours; Near vison correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vison correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted)Mental/Emotional Stability required; Working closely with others; Working alone
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
How you will be evaluated
**This announcement is open to the public, eligible applicants will be referred in the following order:
1)
Current permanent VA employees of the Phoenix VAMC
2)All other VA employees
2)
All other applicants
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.**
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; religions; 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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
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Transcript
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
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Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (VA)
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Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
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Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
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Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
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Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
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SF-15
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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Transcript
How to apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13081592.
1.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Other information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
Legal
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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