Clinical Laboratory Scientist Careers at the Oklahoma City VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have served in the military. At the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, we are currently looking for a motivated Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join our Pathology and Laboratory team. This position offers a unique blend of challenging diagnostic work, a collaborative environment, and the stability of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a CLS, you will be responsible for:

Executing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of diagnostic testing.
Managing and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation to ensure accuracy.
Implementing robust quality control and quality assurance measures.
Interpreting complex results and communicating effectively with the clinical healthcare team.
Mentoring students and junior laboratory staff.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, and hold a bachelor's degree. Professional certification as an MLS or MT (ASCP/AMT) is standard. Applicants must also pass a pre-employment physical and undergo a security investigation.

Salary and Grade Overview

Candidates are hired at the GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 level depending on their experience and education.

Grade Level	Education/Experience Requirement
GS-07	Basic requirements met
GS-09	One year experience at GS-07 OR Master's Degree
GS-11	One year experience at GS-09 OR Ph.D.

Benefits

The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package:

Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 50 days annually when combining vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Retirement Security: Pension and 401k-style thrift savings plans.
Comprehensive Insurance: Federal health, dental, and life coverage that carries into retirement.

Application Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly lists job titles, series/grade (if federal), and hours worked per week. Missing these details can prevent your application from being evaluated properly.

If you are a clinical professional looking to make a difference, we encourage you to join our team at the Oklahoma City VA. Apply by September 8, 2026, to be considered.

Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist Job Matters

Advance your career in clinical laboratory science while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist Job Overview

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform complex diagnostic testing within a state-of-the-art 192-bed teaching hospital. This role allows for professional growth in a vibrant urban environment, focusing on comprehensive patient-centered care for Veterans.

Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
Generalist certification as an MLS or MT from ASCP BOC or AMT
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
Ability to complete a background security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist

At least one year of blood bank experience
Demonstrated experience in clinical laboratory testing, quality control, and instrument maintenance

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service
✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
✓Comprehensive federal insurance options (health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care)
✓Traditional federal pension and 401K with employer matching contributions

💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Generalist Job

Create a USAJOBS account or log into an existing one
Complete the online occupational questionnaire
Prepare your resume according to the specific formatting instructions
Upload required documentation, including transcripts and certification
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 8, 2026

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes detailed dates of employment (Month/Year), hours worked per week, and your specific duties
Use the provided VA template for your clinical resume if applicable
Double-check that all required documents, including SF-50s or transcripts, are attached before submission
Monitor your email for status notifications throughout the hiring process

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not currently certified?

Yes, under certain circumstances. Non-certified applicants may be hired if they meet eligibility routes to sit for the MLS certification exam, though they will be subject to specific restrictions regarding grade level and supervision.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, with rotating holidays and weekends.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is a premier 192-bed facility serving over 81,000 Veterans. We prioritize an integrated, patient-centered approach. Beyond the clinical work, Oklahoma City offers a high quality of life, featuring a vibrant arts scene, diverse outdoor activities, and a cost of living that makes it an excellent place to build a long-term career.