Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Make a difference where it matters most! Join the Indian Health Service as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist providing vital, life‑saving diagnostics to American Indian communities. Advance your career, enjoy competitive benefits, and be part of a mission that transforms lives every day.

• A REAL  be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

• Selectee may be subject to a probationary period.

• U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required.

Please note:

Candidates must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy. This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101‑630, requiring contact or control over Indian children; applicants must not have certain criminal convictions. A federal background investigation is required as a condition of employment.

• Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing using manual and automated methodologies in areas such as chemistry, microbiology, hematology, molecular diagnostics, immunology, and immunohematology.
• Interpret and verify test results, troubleshoot testing discrepancies and equipment malfunctions, and implement corrective actions to ensure accurate laboratory results.
• Collect, prepare, and evaluate patient specimens while ensuring proper handling, preservation, and documentation procedures.
• Perform quality control, proficiency testing, equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities in compliance with laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Support laboratory operations through quality assurance activities, procedure development, inventory management, and technical guidance to laboratory staff.

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance and maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist.

The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

• Minimum Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑05 grade level or the equivalent graduate education described below.
• Educational Requirements:
  • Academic: A Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university in biological science/chemistry/mathematics with successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist or similarly accredited program; OR a full 4‑year course of study that included 12 months in a qualified medical technology program; OR a degree with specified science credits plus five (5) years of full‑time acceptable clinical laboratory experience.
  • Professional:
    One year of graduate‑level education in clinical laboratory science/medical technology or a directly related field; or a combination of graduate education and specialized experience meeting GS grade requirements.
  • Superior Academic Achievement: GPA ≥ 2.95 (or higher requirement in major) as specified for GS‑07 qualifications.
• E‑Verify: Must successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Immunization: Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine‑preventable diseases.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists receive a competitive total compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program. This includes health, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other federal employee benefits. Review the benefits package for details.

If you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, you may request a reasonable accommodation to complete the USA Hire Competency‑Based Assessments. Requests must be submitted prior to beginning the assessments and will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. SSA accommodations must be provided in accordance with the procedure for requesting reasonable accommodation for online assessments.