Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Indian Health Service; Watonga (OK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Join the Indian Health Service as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Watonga, Oklahoma, where you will provide vital diagnoses to American Indian communities. This position involves conducting specialized laboratory testing, interpreting results, and ensuring quality assurance in a supportive environment.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and experience in laboratory practices. This role comes with competitive benefits and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in underserved areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in relevant sciences.
• Experience in clinical laboratory testing is required.
• Strong understanding of quality control and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing.
• Interpret and verify test results, troubleshooting discrepancies.
• Collect, prepare, and evaluate patient specimens.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Specimen handling

Quality control

Instrument maintenance

Data interpretation

Education

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

NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program

Job description

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist providing life‑saving diagnostics to American Indian communities. This role offers competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.

Duties

• Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing in chemistry, microbiology, hematology, molecular diagnostics, immunology, and immunohematology.
• Interpret and verify test results, troubleshoot discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Collect, prepare, and evaluate patient specimens with proper handling, preservation, and documentation.
• Perform quality control, proficiency testing, equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting in compliance with accreditation standards.
• Support laboratory operations through quality assurance activities, procedure development, inventory management, and technical guidance.

Total Compensation Package

Competitive salary and benefits. For details, visit Clinical Laboratory Scientist Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov).

Requirements

Exemplary professional standards, including U.S. citizenship, selective service registration for eligible males, and compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy. The role may require on‑call hours or standby duty and involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending.

Conditions of Employment

• Probationary period possible.
• Background investigation required; applicants must complete forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance.
• Successful E‑Verify employment verification required.
• Direct deposit set up required.

Physical Demands

The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending during patient assessment and treatment.

Background Investigation Requirement

A federal background investigation is mandatory. Applicants must complete all required forms promptly to avoid delays.

Qualifications

Applicants must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the position. Experience includes paid, volunteer, and part‑time work with clear duties, responsibilities, and hours.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's or graduate degree with courses in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics, plus a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by NAACLS.
• OR A full nine‑month course in a college or hospital‑based medical technology program, or the last one or two years of a four‑year program with a bachelor's in medical technology.
• OR Bachelor’s degree with required science credits and five (5) years of full‑time clinical laboratory experience in areas including Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids.

Minimum Qualifications

GS‑07

• One (1) year of specialized experience at GS‑05 level in laboratory testing, specimen handling, instrument operation, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• OR One (1) year of graduate‑level education in clinical laboratory science or related field.
• OR Combination of graduate education and specialized experience meeting GS‑07 requirements.
• OR Bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) requirements: GPA thresholds or honor society membership.

GS‑09

• One (1) year of specialized experience at GS‑07 level in advanced testing, evaluation, instrument maintenance, quality control, and compliance.
• OR Two (2) years of graduate education culminating in a master’s degree in a relevant field.
• OR Combination of graduate education and specialized experience meeting GS‑09 requirements.

GS‑11

• One (1) year of specialized experience at GS‑09 level in complex testing, data interpretation, instrument calibration, specimen handling, and quality assurance.
• OR Three (3) years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field.
• OR Combination of graduate education and specialized experience meeting GS‑11 requirements.

Education

Submitted transcripts or course lists are required for evaluation. Unofficial transcripts are accepted in the application package; official transcripts will be required before an offer is finalized. Foreign education equivalency certificates are needed if applicable.