Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • San Diego, CA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Laboratory/Clinical Pathology Division, Directorate of Clinical Support, at Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs advanced testing and complex emergency analyses across major laboratory departments and supports clinical services by ensuring testing is performed in accordance with medical facility requirements and established laboratory standards. The role also involves specimen management, test method development, instrument performance verification, laboratory audits, and consultation with healthcare providers regarding complex or abnormal results.

The position is designated Mission Essential and requires the incumbent to report to or remain at work during certain emergencies. Work may involve uncommon tours, including on-call duty, fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The incumbent may be exposed to biohazard materials and must use appropriate personal protective equipment. The position requires a physical examination before employment and annually thereafter, the ability to lift up to 40 pounds, applicable immunization screening and vaccination requirements, and fulfillment of credentialing requirements for non-privileged providers.

Appointment may be subject to a background investigation, credit check, suitability or fitness determination, and eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access. The position is subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. A one-year probationary period may apply. Applicants must meet the stated education and/or experience requirements and hold qualifying professional certification. The role is open to U.S. citizens.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Meet the basic education and/or experience requirement through one of the stated pathways: a qualifying bachelor's or higher degree plus an accredited medical laboratory scientist/clinical laboratory scientist program; a qualifying four-year course of study including an approved 12-month medical technology program; or a qualifying degree and coursework combined with five years of acceptable full-time clinical laboratory experience.
• Hold certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) from ASCP, AMT, or another comparable board or registry approved by OASD(HA) or its designee; submit a copy with the application.
• For GS-09 qualification through experience, have one year of specialized experience performing clinical laboratory testing, maintaining or calibrating laboratory instruments, and monitoring laboratory quality control; alternatively, qualifying graduate education or an eligible combination of education and experience may be used.
• For GS-11 qualification through experience, have one year of specialized experience performing complex laboratory testing, maintaining or calibrating laboratory instruments, monitoring laboratory quality control, and analyzing laboratory results; alternatively, qualifying doctoral education or an eligible combination of education and experience may be used.
• Obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment.
• Complete required background investigation, credit check, pre-employment screening, and random drug testing.
• Meet applicable immunization screening and update requirements, including annual seasonal influenza vaccination unless exempted.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter; be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Work uncommon tours as required, including on-call duty and fixed or rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Fulfill credentialing requirements for non-privileged providers.
• If relying on foreign education, provide an evaluation establishing its equivalence to U.S. accredited education or evidence of full course credit at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced clinical laboratory testing and complex emergency analyses across all major laboratory departments.
• Oversee collection, handling, preparation, and shipment of diagnostic specimens in accordance with clinical standards and laboratory protocols.
• Modify testing methods, procedures, and techniques to resolve complex laboratory problems and expand clinical services.
• Verify instrument performance characteristics, including accuracy, precision, and sensitivity; investigate technical problems and initiate corrective actions.
• Audit laboratory worksheets, test results, and preventative maintenance logs for completeness and accuracy.
• Consult with healthcare providers about complex or abnormal test results to assist with diagnosis, prognosis, treatment efficiency, and recommended follow-up.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Advanced in-hire incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Advanced leave accrual incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level