Launch Your Career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently looking for a motivated and precise Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. If you possess a background in medical technology and a desire to serve in a critical healthcare setting, this role offers a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills to support the health and readiness of military personnel and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you will perform high-complexity tasks essential to the diagnostic process. Your daily duties will include:
- Conducting and evaluating routine and specialized laboratory test procedures.
- Troubleshooting and performing preventive maintenance on complex lab instrumentation.
- Validating the suitability of clinical specimens for analysis.
- Initiating follow-up procedures for discrepant or unusual laboratory results.
- Maintaining strict quality control standards to ensure patient safety.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-09 level position, you must meet strict educational and professional criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant biological or chemical science.
- Certification: Must hold a current certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) from the ASCP or AMT.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in a clinical laboratory environment.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Mandatory | U.S. Citizen |
| Certification | Mandatory | ASCP, AMT, or equivalent |
| Security Clearance | Mandatory | Secret |
| Education | Mandatory | Bachelor's or higher (NAACLS accredited) |
Salary Overview
This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) system. The annual salary range is $62,640 to $81,436, depending on qualifications and locality pay adjustments.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides substantial benefits, including:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- Potential for performance-based awards and professional development funding.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and explicitly maps your work history to the duties described. Do not use industry jargon that might be misunderstood; keep your descriptions straightforward. Always double-check that your professional certifications and transcripts are attached to your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Q: Can I apply without a certificate? A: No, the certification is a mandatory selective placement factor required for the role.
Serving as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health of those who defend our nation. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application package before the August 27, 2026, deadline.
Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and provide vital diagnostic support to our nation's heroes and their families.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join our team at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. In this role, you will perform critical laboratory analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. You will work in a fast-paced, high-stakes medical environment, ensuring accuracy in test results and maintaining instrumentation to support the health and readiness of military members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in a biological or chemical science from an accredited institution.
- Successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by NAACLS.
- One year of specialized experience performing routine laboratory testing and instrument maintenance at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
- Valid certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) from the ASCP, AMT, or an equivalent body.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Completion of a drug test and, if applicable, Selective Service registration.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Experience in diverse laboratory disciplines including microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, and clinical chemistry.
- Advanced technical troubleshooting skills for clinical laboratory instrumentation.
- Professional certification in multiple areas of clinical laboratory practice.
- Experience working in a federal or large military medical treatment facility.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement within the federal healthcare system.
- ✓Incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates, including recruitment/relocation bonuses and student loan repayment.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS and ensure your resume is uploaded.
- Review the specific educational and certification requirements listed in the announcement.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, highlighting relevant experience and specific job duties.
- Complete the online questionnaire provided through the application link.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of August 27, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will not be considered.
- Ensure your resume includes clear start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for all previous roles.
- Use plain language and avoid obscure acronyms; the hiring board will not infer your qualifications.
- Submit your application early to account for potential technical issues or virus scanning of uploaded documents.
- Double-check that you have attached your specific board certification (ASCP/AMT) documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Can I use education to qualify for this position?
Yes, a combination of education and experience or graduate-level education may be used to meet the qualification standards.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an on-site position located at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integral part of the Department of Defense, tasked with providing medical services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their beneficiaries. By working at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, you are joining an organization committed to world-class medical excellence and strategic combat support.