Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Indian Health Service; Thoreau (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indian Health Service is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Thoreau, NM. This role provides essential laboratory diagnostics to American Indian communities. Responsibilities include clinical testing, interpreting results, and supporting laboratory operations.

Applicants should have relevant experience and an accredited degree in biological sciences or a related field. Adherence to federal regulations and immunization policies is required.

Join our mission and contribute to health equity in underserved populations.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical laboratory testing and diagnostics.
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Ability to interpret and verify laboratory test results.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing.
• Interpret and verify test results, troubleshoot issues.
• Collect and prepare patient specimens for testing.

Skills

Clinical laboratory testing

Quality control procedures

Troubleshooting testing discrepancies

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science, chemistry, or mathematics

Job description

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.

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

Duties

• 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.

Requirements

• Subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy regarding vaccine-preventable diseases.
• A designated position covered by Public Law 101-630 requiring contact or control over Indian children; must not have been convicted or plead nolo contendere for certain crimes.
• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required.
• Physical demands: walking, sitting, standing, reaching, bending.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Set up direct deposit for payment.
• Complete a federal background investigation.

Background Investigation Requirement

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Credit will be given for volunteer and part‑time experience. Total hours per week for each position must be identified.

Education

• A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university with courses in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by NAACLS or a similarly accredited body.
• Or a full 4‑year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital‑based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization.
• Or a Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree including 16 semester hours of biological science, 16 semester hours of chemistry, one semester of mathematics, and five years of full‑time clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids.

Minimum Qualifications

• GS‑07: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑05 grade or completion of one year of graduate‑level education in clinical laboratory science/medical technology.
• GS‑09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑07 grade or completion of two years of graduate education leading to a master’s degree in clinical laboratory science/medical technology.
• GS‑11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑09 grade or completion of three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in clinical laboratory science/medical technology.

Additional Information

All applicants must submit transcripts or course listings. Only attendance or degrees from U.S. accredited institutions are considered. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.