Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 68,000 - 131,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX, seeks a clinical laboratory professional to perform a wide range of laboratory tests, including advanced procedures.

You will monitor equipment, ensure quality control, and participate in biosafety practices as part of a healthcare team. Eligibility is under the Fed Competitive path. The posted salary range is $67,931 to $130,702 per year, with standard Federal benefits and a Monday–Friday

Responsibilities

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation.
Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results and analyzes problems.
Maintains and documents optimal functioning of laboratory equipment and performs preventive maintenance.

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas, under Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in Rapid Analytical Chemistry.

Key Responsibilities

DUTIES: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.

Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.

Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.

Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.

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. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm. Alternating holidays and weekends. Subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-02050F, 580-02051F, 580-02052F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & 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/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $67931 – $130702/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-02.

How many openings are available?

There are 4 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.