Launch Your Career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with the 59th Medical Wing
Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your clinical expertise in a high-impact environment? The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to support the 59th Medical Wing at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-focused team at Lackland Air Force Base, providing essential diagnostic support to the nation’s service members.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for a wide range of laboratory operations, including:
- Conducting complex diagnostic assays.
- Maintaining and calibrating advanced laboratory instrumentation.
- Ensuring rigorous quality control across all testing phases.
- Processing and preparing diverse diagnostic specimens, including blood, urine, and specialized tissue samples.
- Applying expert knowledge to ensure reliable data reporting for emergency and routine medical care.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with specific course requirements in biological sciences and chemistry, or an equivalent medical technology program.
- Certification: You must hold a valid, unrestricted certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist (e.g., ASCP or AMT).
- Experience: One year of specialized, professional-level experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Certification | ASCP, AMT, or equivalent required |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in a relevant field |
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized laboratory work |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $75,776 to $98,514 per year. The salary accounts for locality pay, ensuring that compensation remains competitive with the local San Antonio market.
Benefits
Employees of the federal government enjoy robust benefits, including:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- Federal retirement options (FERS).
- Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success:
- Read carefully: Follow the instructions exactly, especially regarding the two-page resume limit.
- Document everything: Don't forget to attach your professional certifications and academic transcripts.
- Detail your experience: Ensure your resume clearly outlines the number of hours worked per week for each listed role.
Serving as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with the 59th Medical Wing offers a rewarding career path for dedicated professionals. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to the health and readiness of the military force, we encourage you to apply by the closing date of August 24, 2026.
Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical science at one of the nation's premier military treatment facilities at Lackland Air Force Base.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Overview
The 59th Medical Wing, located at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, is currently seeking a skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join their healthcare team. This role is a vital component of the Defense Health Agency, supporting medical readiness and high-quality care for military service members, retirees, and their families. Candidates will perform complex diagnostic testing and contribute to a fast-paced, mission-driven clinical laboratory environment.
Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant science field, or completion of an accredited medical technology program
- Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) from ASCP, AMT, or other recognized board
- One year of specialized experience performing assays, maintaining laboratory instruments, and monitoring quality control
- Successful completion of a probationary period
- Ability to provide official academic transcripts and valid, unrestricted certification documentation
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Advanced experience in high-complexity clinical testing
- Proficiency across multiple disciplines including blood banking, microbiology, and clinical chemistry
- Strong technical background in diagnostic specimen processing
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Access to a wide array of federal government work-life balance programs
💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages long.
- Log into your USAJOBS account and navigate to the application portal.
- Complete the required online questionnaire in its entirety.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including your resume, official transcripts, and current certification.
- Review your application for accuracy before the submission deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Ensure you explicitly list hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
- Verify that your certification and transcripts are attached, or your application may be rejected as incomplete.
- Apply well before the deadline to allow time for system virus scans of your uploaded documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The position offers an annual salary between $75,776 and $98,514 depending on qualifications and location-based locality pay.
Is a security clearance required?
No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role.
Are there residency requirements?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens to be considered for this federal position.
Can I use foreign education to qualify?
Yes, provided you submit an evaluation from an organization specializing in foreign education interpretation that deems your credentials equivalent to a U.S. program.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The 59th Medical Wing is the Air Force’s premier healthcare organization. As part of the Defense Health Agency, it provides world-class care and medical readiness support to over 9.5 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide. Working here means being part of an integrated, mission-driven system that values technical excellence and professional integrity.