Advance Your Career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with the VA
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join our team. If you are passionate about diagnostic accuracy and committed to the health and well-being of those who have served our country, this is your opportunity to work at a national referral center known for its state-of-the-art technology and collaborative atmosphere.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of laboratory testing. Your duties will include:
- Performing, interpreting, and validating laboratory results for various clinical disciplines.
- Managing quality control and assurance procedures to ensure high-accuracy data.
- Calibrating and troubleshooting automated instrumentation.
- Maintaining detailed documentation for all tests and equipment performance.
- Collaborating with the broader clinical team to assist in patient care decisions.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet basic requirements including:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or a related science.
- Certification: ASCP/AMT certification (or eligibility).
- Health: Ability to perform manual labor, lifting up to 50 lbs, and stand for extended periods.
Salary and Grade Comparison
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-07 | Entry level; basic requirements met. |
| GS-09 | 1 year experience or Master’s degree. |
| GS-11 | 1 year experience at GS-09 or Ph.D. |
Salary range for this position is $73,849 – $142,089 per year based on qualifications.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
- Insurance: Extensive federal plans for health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Retirement: Federal pension plan and competitive 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan.
- Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is detailed. Clearly define your experience with specific laboratory machinery and regulatory frameworks. If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to claim preference. Always review your application for completeness before the November 9, 2026, deadline.
Join a team where your technical expertise directly translates to better lives for our Veterans. Apply today to become a vital part of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA medical community.
Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Third Shift Job Matters
Join the elite team at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and play a vital role in providing life-saving diagnostic insights to our nation’s heroes during the third shift.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Third Shift Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist to work within our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. This position is essential for providing accurate, high-quality diagnostic data to inform patient care. You will conduct complex testing on biological specimens, ensuring that our medical team has the critical information needed to support the health and wellness of our Veterans. This is an excellent opportunity for detail-oriented professionals to contribute to a world-class healthcare system while enjoying a comprehensive federal benefits package.
Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Third Shift
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for recruitment needs).
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Valid generalist certification as an MLS or MT via ASCP BOC or AMT (or eligibility to work toward it).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Third Shift
- Experience equivalent to the GS-09 or GS-11 levels in a clinical laboratory setting.
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Medical Technology or related biological science.
- Strong technical skills in laboratory informatics and automated instrumentation troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated ability to function independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Expertise in quality control procedures and laboratory regulatory compliance (CAP/CLIA/CLSI).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 50 days including annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement pension and 401K-style plan with employer matching.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Third Shift Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Third Shift Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume and gather necessary certifications and transcripts.
- Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package including all supporting documents.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Include volunteer work if it relates to your technical skills or laboratory experience.
- Ensure your professional certifications are clearly documented.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before the closing date.
- Review your responses to the questionnaire against your resume to ensure consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not yet certified?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Non-certified applicants may be hired if they meet specific educational routes and are actively working toward their MLS certification.
What does the third shift schedule entail?
The schedule is 12:00 AM to 8:30 AM, and it includes rotating weekends and holidays to ensure continuous patient care.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite role at the Cleveland VA medical facility.
Is there an age limit for this position?
No, the VA is an equal opportunity employer.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive care to over 124,000 Veterans in Northeast Ohio. As a part of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, you will be part of a mission-driven organization that values compassion, integrity, and excellence. Our facilities include advanced medical centers and research hubs like the Cleveland FES Center, providing a dynamic work environment for laboratory professionals.