Federal
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs
Qualifications
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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 1 or 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: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and 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.
Major Duties
Duty details are available on the full USAJobs announcement.
Conditions of Employment
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
How to Apply
1
Create a USAJobs Account
Visit USAJobs.gov and sign up or log in.
Visit USAJobs.gov and sign up or log in.
2
Prepare Your Federal Resume
Federal resumes are more detailed than private-sector ones. Include job titles, duties, hours/week, and dates (month/year) for each position.
Federal resumes are more detailed than private-sector ones. Include job titles, duties, hours/week, and dates (month/year) for each position.
3
Gather Supporting Documents
Transcripts, DD-214 (veterans), SF-50 (current feds), and other documents as required by the announcement.
Transcripts, DD-214 (veterans), SF-50 (current feds), and other documents as required by the announcement.
4
Submit Your Application
Click "Apply on USAJobs" and complete all questionnaires before the deadline (Apr 30, 2026).
Click "Apply on USAJobs" and complete all questionnaires before the deadline (Apr 30, 2026).
5
Track Your Status
Monitor your application through your USAJobs dashboard. Federal hiring typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Monitor your application through your USAJobs dashboard. Federal hiring typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist position at Veterans Health Administration?
The salary range for this position is $51,215 - $129,394/yr. This is a GS position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Clinical Laboratory Scientist job located?
This position is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born aft...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 30, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS mean?
GS refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.