Become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join the team at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This position is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who thrive in a collaborative, academic, and mission-driven healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an Intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you will handle a broad spectrum of responsibilities:
- Laboratory Procedures: Perform both routine and highly complex diagnostic testing.
- Instrument Maintenance: Calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair critical laboratory equipment to ensure uptime and accuracy.
- Quality Assurance: Monitor test performance and maintain records in strict adherence to regulatory standards like CAP and OSHA.
- Data Analysis: Correlate quantitative lab results with patient history and clinical notes to assist physicians in diagnosis.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several core criteria, including:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Certification: Valid generalist certification as an MLS or MT via ASCP or AMT.
- Health: Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 44 pounds and standing for extended periods.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | Bachelor's Degree | None beyond basic requirements |
| GS-9 | Master's degree or 2 years grad education | 1 year equivalent to GS-7 |
| GS-11 | PhD or 3 years grad education | 1 year equivalent to GS-9 |
Salary Overview
This role offers a competitive federal salary range between $60,452 and $116,312 per year. Compensation is determined based on the applicant's qualifications and the specific needs of the VA at the time of hiring.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- Retirement: Secure federal pension and a 401K-style plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Support: Access to childcare subsidies and paid parental leave programs.
Application Tips
- Be Descriptive: When documenting your work history, emphasize your experience with specific laboratory machinery and protocols.
- Upload Everything: Ensure your application includes your resume, transcripts, and any applicable certifications.
- Check Status: Use the USAJOBS platform to track your application throughout the process.
Joining the Robley Rex VA Medical Center is an opportunity to use your scientific expertise for a noble cause. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to work at a premier academic medical center, submit your application package before November 2, 2026.
Why This Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran healthcare as an intermittent Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent) Job Overview
The Robley Rex VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Intermittent) to join our Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service. In this role, you will provide critical diagnostic support, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure our nation's Veterans receive the highest standard of whole health care. This position offers the flexibility of an intermittent schedule while contributing to a premier academic medical center environment.
Requirements for Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Medical Technology or a related science
- Generalist certification as an MLS (ASCP BOC/AMT) or MT (ASCP BOR/AMT)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Ability to pass pre-employment urinalysis for drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent)
- Master’s degree or PhD in Medical Technology or related science (for higher grade levels)
- Professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
- Proven ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair complex laboratory instrumentation
- Demonstrated skill in informatics and clinical laboratory data flow
- Advanced knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement system (pension and 401K with employer match)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth in an academic medical center
💡 How to Apply Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Lab Scientist (Intermittent) Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume including dates of employment, hours worked per week, and specific task descriptions.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as transcripts, certifications, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the job duties listed in the announcement.
- Be specific about your certifications; categorically-specific certifications may not qualify for generalist roles.
- Verify that your education is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- If you are a current or former federal employee, provide an SF-50 that clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade.
- Double-check that all contact information is accurate and that your resume is in a clear, readable format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 'intermittent' schedule?
An intermittent schedule means your work hours will vary based on facility needs and management requirements, including potential work on weekends and holidays.
Can I apply if I am not currently certified?
Non-certified applicants may be hired under specific conditions if they are eligible to sit for the MLS certification exam and actively work toward obtaining certification within a set timeframe.
What physical demands are associated with this role?
The role requires the ability to lift up to 44 pounds, stand or walk for up to 4 hours, and perform fine-motor tasks with both hands while working in a high-noise, fast-paced laboratory environment.
Is this a full-time position?
No, this is an intermittent position with variable hours based on the needs of the lab.
Are there relocation incentives?
Relocation assistance is not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a level 1b facility that stands as a pillar of excellence in the Kentucky healthcare community. Affiliated with the University of Louisville, our facility integrates research, advanced patient care, and education to serve Veterans across dozens of counties. We are deeply committed to President Lincoln’s promise to honor those who have served.