Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Indian Health Service; Wagner (SD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

The Indian Health Service is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Wagner, South Dakota, to provide essential laboratory diagnostics to American Indian communities. This position involves performing routine and specialized testing in various lab areas, and candidates are required to hold a relevant degree.

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of clinical laboratory processes and be prepared to meet the federal background investigation requirements. Competitive benefits, including health and retirement plans, are also offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory testing across various specialties.
• Ability to interpret, verify, and troubleshoot test results.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing.
• Support operations through quality assurance and procedural development.
• Collect and evaluate patient specimens ensuring proper documentation.

Skills

Clinical laboratory testing

Interpret test results

Quality control

Inventory management

Patient specimen handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological science or related field

Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program

Job description

Summary
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 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

• Provisional appointment may be subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy is required if duties are performed permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility.
• Position is covered by Public Law 101‑630; applicants must not have convictions or guilty pleas related to certain crimes.
• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required.
• Physical demands include walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending. A successful E‑Verify employment verification check is required.

Background Investigation Requirement

This position requires 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 includes paid, unpaid, volunteer, and part‑time work with clear descriptions of duties and hours.

Basic Requirements

• A bachelor’s or graduate/higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics, and successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by NAACLS or an equivalent body.
• A full 4‑year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital‑based medical technology program approved by a recognized accrediting organization.
• A bachelor’s or graduate/higher degree with specific semester hours in biological science, chemistry, 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 at least equivalent to the GS‑05 grade level in the federal service, or one year of graduate‑level education in clinical laboratory science/medical technology or a related field.
• GS‑09: One year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS‑07 grade level in the federal service, or two full years of graduate education leading to a master's degree in a related field.
• GS‑11: One year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS‑09 grade level in the federal service, or three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field.

Education Information

You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses, including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts are accepted in the application package; official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited.

Benefits

A competitive benefits package is offered, including health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave, and flexible spending accounts. Learn more about federal benefits.