Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Indian Health Service; Winterhaven (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Student loan repayment programs

Job summary

The Indian Health Service seeks a skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Winterhaven, California, who will provide vital laboratory testing to American Indian communities. You will perform specialized tests, interpret results, and ensure compliance with standards. Join a mission-driven organization with competitive benefits and a focus on transforming lives.

Applicants must have a degree in biological science or chemistry and complete a recognized medical laboratory program. U.S. Citizenship is required. The position may involve on-call hours and requires a thorough federal background investigation.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Ability to work on-call or standby duty as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing.
• Interpret and verify test results.
• Collect, prepare, and evaluate patient specimens.
• Perform quality control and accreditation compliance activities.
• Support laboratory operations through technical guidance.

Skills

Clinical laboratory testing

Specimen preparation

Quality control

Troubleshooting

E-verify employment verification

Education

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

Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist accredited 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 with competitive benefits and be part of a mission that transforms lives every day.

Responsibilities

• 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

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Proficiency in IHS Employee Immunization Policy for vaccine‑preventable diseases; vaccine exemption requests available as outlined in policy and facility guidance.
• Compliance with public law requiring control over Indian children; applicants must not be found guilty or plead nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
• Ability to work on‑call hours or standby duty as required.
• Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
• Proficient use of E‑Verify employment verification; ability to establish direct deposit.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by NAACLS or an equivalent accrediting 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 level degree including 16 semester hours of biological science (one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester of mathematics, AND five years of full‑time acceptable 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 the GS‑05 grade level in performing standard clinical laboratory testing, specimen preparation, instrument operation, reagents preparation, quality control, record maintenance, and biosafety requirements; OR one year of graduate‑level education in clinical laboratory science/medical technology; OR a combination of graduate education and specialized experience that meets the GS‑07 criteria; OR a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (GPA ≥ 2.95, or ≥ 3.45 in major, top third of class, or national honor society).

GS‑09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑07 grade level, OR two years of graduate education leading to a master's degree, OR a combination of graduate education and specialized experience that meets GS‑09 criteria.

GS‑11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑09 grade level, OR three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D., OR a combination of graduate education and specialized experience that meets GS‑11 criteria.

Education

Applicants must submit official transcripts or unofficial transcripts prior to receiving an offer. Only degrees from schools accredited by institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be credited. Foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package including health, retirement, and paid leave. Eligible employees receive federal benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, and leave accrual based on years of federal service. Additional benefits may include student loan repayment programs.