Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Durham VA

Are you a seasoned clinical laboratory professional looking to take the next step into leadership? The Durham VA Medical Center is currently hiring a Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Garner, North Carolina. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality diagnostic services to the men and women who have served in the United States military.

Job Responsibilities

As a supervisor, you will lead a dedicated team of laboratory personnel. Your key responsibilities include:

Overseeing specimen collection, processing, and testing workflows.
Ensuring laboratory operations align with strict accreditation and quality standards.
Mentoring staff and conducting performance evaluations.
Managing budgets and resource allocation for technical equipment.
Developing and updating laboratory protocols and policy manuals.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Certification: Active generalist certification (MLS/MT) from ASCP or AMT.
Experience: One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.

Comparison: Laboratory Roles

Feature	Clinical Lab Scientist	Supervisory Lab Scientist
Primary Focus	Bench Testing	Staff & Workflow Management
Decision Making	Technical Accuracy	Strategic & Administrative
Personnel Oversight	None	Full Supervisory Responsibility

Salary and Benefits Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $104,372 to $135,686 annually. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees enjoy an unmatched benefits package including:

Insurance: Extensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement: Dual-path security with a federal pension and a 401(k) plan with agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave accrual and 11 paid federal holidays.

Application Tips

Use the Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume document. Download it from the VA Careers website and ensure it is uploaded exactly as requested.
Be Detailed: Do not rely on recruiters to infer your skills. Use your resume to describe specific leadership achievements.
Check Deadlines: The application closes on September 8, 2026. Submit well in advance to avoid technical issues.

If you are ready to combine your clinical knowledge with leadership skills to support our Veterans, this position at the Durham VA is the perfect next step. Apply today to begin a rewarding career in the Federal service.

Why This Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters

Lead a vital laboratory team at the Durham VA and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans.

Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Overview

The Durham VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join our healthcare team in Garner, North Carolina. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee a dynamic team of medical technicians and laboratory scientists, ensuring the highest standards of specimen collection, testing, and quality control. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in a supportive environment dedicated to providing world-class care to those who have served our country.

Requirements for Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens per VA policy).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Valid generalist certification as an MLS or MT (ASCP or AMT), or appropriate categorical/specialist certification.
Minimum 1 year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

2 years of clinical laboratory scientist experience within the last 5 years.
Strong leadership skills in conflict resolution and staff development.
Experience managing laboratory quality management programs and regulatory compliance.
Budgetary and resource management experience.
Expertise in technical policy and procedure development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
✓Traditional Federal Pension (5-year vesting).
✓Federal 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Generous PTO including 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume and ensure you download the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers link.
Upload all required documentation, including your degree transcript and professional certifications.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package by 11:59 PM ET on September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your supervisory experience as we cannot make assumptions.
Upload the specific one-page clinical resume template provided by the VA to the 'Resume' upload field.
Use the 'Other' document field to upload your full, unrestricted CV or resume.
Double-check that all certifications are valid and attached, as missing documents may disqualify your application.
Review your application status periodically through the USAJobs portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of supervision is involved in this position?

You will have full supervisory responsibility for a diverse team, including phlebotomists, medical laboratory technicians, and clinical laboratory scientists.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite, non-virtual role located in Garner, North Carolina.

What happens if I am pending my certification?

While you may be referred and tentatively selected, you cannot be hired until all educational and certification requirements are fully met.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. At the Durham VA, we pride ourselves on a culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation. Joining our laboratory team means becoming part of an organization where your work directly impacts patient health outcomes.