Become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital
Are you a dedicated professional in the clinical sciences looking for a career that offers both stability and a meaningful mission? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital in Fort Polk, Louisiana. This role is essential to providing high-quality diagnostic services to military members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you will perform a wide range of analytical duties within the lab. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Executing complex diagnostic tests with a high degree of precision.
- Interpreting positive results and determining the necessity for follow-up testing.
- Maintaining and calibrating advanced laboratory instrumentation.
- Ensuring all procedures adhere to the standards of the Joint Commission, CAP, and the FDA.
- Advising supervisors on technical issues and laboratory goal integration.
Comparison: Laboratory Roles
| Feature | Clinical Lab Scientist | Lab Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Complex/Advanced Diagnostics | Routine Testing |
| Authority | Technical Validation | Standard Processing |
| Requirements | Bachelors + Certification | Certification/Associate |
Requirements
You must meet the following baseline requirements to be eligible:
- Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with specific coursework in biology, chemistry, and math, plus completion of an accredited medical technology program.
- Certification: Must possess a valid certification from the ASCP or AMT.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience in a professional laboratory setting.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $80,243 per year. Beyond the base pay, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
- Retirement plans through the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Substantial paid annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional growth and training.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less and explicitly details your relevant experience. Always double-check that you have attached your professional certifications and academic transcripts to avoid being marked as incomplete.
This is an excellent opportunity to utilize your skills in a high-impact environment. If you are passionate about clinical science and serving the military community, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and play a vital role in patient care as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join the team at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital in Fort Polk, Louisiana. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to perform essential laboratory testing, support medical readiness, and contribute to the health and wellness of our military community. We are looking for a professional with strong technical expertise who is committed to accuracy, quality standards, and clinical excellence within a collaborative healthcare environment.
Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited institution including coursework in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics.
- Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program.
- Possession of a valid certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) from the ASCP, AMT, or equivalent body.
- At least one year of specialized experience performing clinical lab assays and maintaining lab instrumentation.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Ability to meet suitability and fitness requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Proven experience working in complex clinical environments such as hospitals, public health agencies, or medical research facilities.
- Deep understanding of regulatory standards including CAP, TJC, AABB, and FDA guidelines.
- Strong analytical skills for resolving technical deviations and interpreting complex test results.
- Experience contributing to laboratory quality improvement and goal development.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with potential locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities within the Department of Defense.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, highlighting relevant experience and specific job duties.
- Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts and professional certifications.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents before the closing date.
- Submit your final package and monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will not be considered.
- Clearly list your work experience with start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Do not use acronyms or complex jargon; use plain language to describe your accomplishments.
- Double-check that all required certifications are attached; failure to do so results in an incomplete application.
- Submit your documents early to allow sufficient time for the automated virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance offered for this position?
Relocation assistance is not authorized for this specific vacancy, though recruitment incentives may be available for qualified candidates.
What certification is required to apply?
Candidates must hold certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT), or an equivalent board.
Can I use international education to meet the requirements?
Yes, but it must be accompanied by an evaluation from a recognized organization confirming it is equivalent to a U.S. accredited degree.
Is there a drug test?
Yes, this position requires a pre-employment drug screening.
What is the security level?
This position is non-sensitive, though it does require suitability/fitness adjudication.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the primary integrated health care system for the Department of Defense. Serving over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA is committed to medical excellence, readiness, and providing world-class care anytime, anywhere. Working here means being part of a vast network of health professionals dedicated to supporting the Joint Force.