Advance Your Career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Portsmouth
Are you a dedicated laboratory professional looking to make a difference in the lives of those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a motivated and skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist for a position at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role offers the chance to work in a high-impact environment focused on diagnostic excellence and patient care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you will be a vital member of the diagnostic team. Your daily tasks will include:
- Performing and evaluating routine and specialized laboratory tests using advanced instrumentation.
- Monitoring the accuracy of laboratory procedures and conducting quality control checks.
- Evaluating the suitability of specimens and requesting new samples when necessary.
- Investigating discrepant test results and initiating proper follow-up procedures.
- Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's Degree in Science or related field |
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized laboratory experience |
| Certification | ASCP or AMT Medical Technologist/Scientist certification |
| Background | Secret Security Clearance required |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in both theory and practice. You must meet the basic education requirements, which include a degree from an accredited institution and completion of a medical technology program. Alternatively, a combination of education and significant professional experience in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood banking may be considered. All candidates must possess a valid board certification (such as ASCP or AMT) to be eligible.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $62,640 to $81,436 per year. In addition to base pay, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive healthcare and life insurance.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- A defined benefit retirement plan (FERS).
- Opportunities for specialized clinical training.
Application Tips
Success in your application starts with precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less, as longer submissions will be removed from consideration. Clearly articulate your specialized experience in the laboratory, including technical proficiency with instrumentation and diagnostic systems. Finally, double-check that your certification documentation is clearly attached to your application package.
If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for clinical laboratory science, this role at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is an exceptional opportunity. Join the Defense Health Agency and contribute to a mission that supports the health and readiness of the U.S. military community. Apply today to start your journey.
Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 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 the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This position is a critical component of our integrated healthcare system, where you will perform complex diagnostic testing to support the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field from an accredited institution
- Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program
- Current certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) from ASCP, AMT, or an equivalent body
- One year of specialized experience performing clinical laboratory diagnostic testing
- Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Advanced technical proficiency in blood banking, clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology
- Strong analytical skills for identifying discrepant values and initiating verification procedures
- Experience working within a hospital or high-volume clinical laboratory setting
- Demonstrated ability to utilize laboratory information systems for reporting results
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
💡 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, clearly highlighting specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and certification/license proof.
- Verify that your application package is complete and submit before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Clearly define your work history with start/end dates, hours per week, and a description of duties.
- Use plain, professional language and avoid excessive industry jargon.
- Ensure your certification documents are current and clearly readable.
- Double-check your application for completeness before the submission deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Naval Medical Center?
You will be responsible for conducting routine and specialized laboratory testing, maintaining equipment, and verifying clinical results to aid in disease diagnosis and patient treatment.
Is a Secret security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Can I use foreign education to meet the requirements?
Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from an organization specializing in foreign education interpretation to prove your credentials are equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for providing medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner to the Joint Force, the agency is committed to improving health and building readiness, ensuring that world-class care is available anytime and anywhere.