Launch Your Career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Oklahoma City VA

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Generalist to join our pathology and laboratory team. This role is a vital component of our healthcare delivery, ensuring that Veterans receive the accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic data they deserve. If you are passionate about precision, safety, and serving those who served, this is the career opportunity you have been waiting for.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you will be responsible for a wide range of laboratory procedures, from routine tests to complex diagnostic evaluations. Your daily tasks will include:

Performing advanced laboratory procedures and interpreting results.
Maintaining and calibrating laboratory instrumentation.
Implementing quality control and quality assurance protocols.
Providing diagnostic recommendations to healthcare providers.
Training students and new staff members.
Solving technical discrepancies using scientific principles.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Certification: Current generalist certification as an MLS or MT from ASCP or AMT.
Proficiency: Ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English.
Background: Ability to pass a security clearance and drug testing.

Grade Comparison Table

Grade Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
GS-7	Bachelor's Degree	Entry Level (None Required)
GS-9	Master's Degree or 2 yrs Grad study	1 Year of equivalent experience
GS-11	Ph.D. or 3 yrs Grad study	1 Year of equivalent experience

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $59,654 to $114,778 annually, commensurate with your experience and qualifications. Federal employees are eligible for regular salary increases and cost-of-living adjustments, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Benefits

Working for the VA means accessing one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the country:

Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid time off for family growth.
Retirement: Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% employer matching.
Insurance: High-quality health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
Flexibility: Opportunities for child care subsidies for qualifying employees.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights your experience level, hours worked per week, and your specific roles in the lab.
Documentation: Don't forget your transcripts and certification proof—without these, your application may be incomplete.
Use Keywords: Mirror the language found in the "Skills" section of this post in your resume to ensure it passes initial automated screening.
Apply Early: Don't wait until the closing date; technical glitches can occur.

Join a healthcare system that values your expertise as much as you value patient outcomes. With excellent benefits, professional growth, and a mission that truly matters, the Oklahoma City VA is the place to build a meaningful career. Apply today and start your journey toward making a difference in the lives of our Veterans.

Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters

Advance your clinical career in a mission-driven environment where your expertise directly impacts the lives of America’s Veterans.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Overview

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Generalist to join our dynamic pathology and laboratory team. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality, patient-centered care within a 192-bed, state-of-the-art facility. Ideal candidates will thrive in an integrated clinical setting, balancing technical precision with compassionate service for those who have served our nation. This role is perfect for professionals seeking a vibrant city life in Oklahoma City paired with the stability and comprehensive rewards of federal employment.

Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field
Valid certification as an MLS, MT, or specialist/categorical certification from ASCP or AMT
Successful completion of a background and security investigation
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Willingness to serve a trial period as required by federal regulations

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist

At least one year of professional experience in a clinical laboratory setting
Demonstrated expertise in hematology, coagulation, and chemistry
Experience with basic transfusion medicine and microbiology procedures
Ability to work effectively in a high-paced, team-oriented healthcare environment

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular increases
✓37-50 days of combined annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
✓Federal 401K with up to 5% agency matching
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs

💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Prepare a comprehensive resume or CV detailing your work history, including hours per week and specific duties.
Obtain copies of your transcripts and professional certifications.
Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly states your start and end dates (month/year) for every position listed.
Clearly link your work experience to the required skills mentioned in the job description.
If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 or related documentation to claim preference points.
Double-check your application for missing documents, as incomplete submissions may prevent consideration.
Be prepared to explain gaps in employment or specific technical achievements during the interview process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this role?

The position is for overnight shifts, specifically 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., consisting of 10-hour shifts. Compressed or flexible scheduling may be discussed with your supervisor.

Does the VA offer relocation assistance for this role?

No, recruitment incentives and relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station) are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Can I qualify with foreign education?

Yes, but you must provide a certificate of foreign equivalency from an accepted evaluation agency showing your degree is equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, this position does not offer a relocation incentive.*

What is the work environment like?

*A: You will be part of a 192-bed teaching hospital in a dynamic city, working with a team dedicated to cutting-edge research and patient care.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Oklahoma City VA provides more than just a job; it is a chance to be part of a teaching hospital that emphasizes state-of-the-art technology, medical research, and compassionate patient care.