Lead a Premier Clinical Laboratory in SHAPE, Belgium: Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist Opportunity

Are you a driven and experienced Clinical Laboratory professional seeking a leadership role with significant impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is actively recruiting a Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist for a pivotal position at SHAPE, Belgium. This is a unique opportunity to manage a high-performing laboratory team, ensure the highest standards of diagnostic care, and contribute to the health and readiness of our international military community in Europe. If you possess a strong background in laboratory science, a commitment to quality assurance, and excellent leadership skills, this GS-11 position offers a competitive salary and the chance to serve in a dynamic overseas environment.

About the Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) stands as a cornerstone of military healthcare, delivering integrated health services across the Department of Defense. Its mission is to ensure the readiness of our armed forces by providing comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to millions of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. The DHA operates a vast network of healthcare facilities, from major medical centers to smaller clinics, all dedicated to improving health outcomes and maintaining peak operational readiness. By fostering innovation and excellence, the DHA ensures that those who serve, and their families, receive the best possible care, anytime and anywhere.

SHAPE/Chievres AB, located in Belgium, offers a unique and engaging environment. Situated approximately 25 km from Mons and 75 km southwest of Brussels, this area provides a rich cultural experience alongside military community life. More information about Belgium and its military communities can be found at https://home.army.mil/benelux/index.php/about/mission.

Job Responsibilities: Leading Excellence in Clinical Diagnostics

As a Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist at SHAPE, Belgium, you will be entrusted with comprehensive leadership responsibilities for the clinical laboratory. Your role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of diagnostic services vital to patient care and military readiness. Key duties include:

• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance: You will oversee all laboratory operations to guarantee strict adherence to standards set by accrediting bodies such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and The Joint Commission (TJC). This involves maintaining rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) programs to uphold patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
• Developing and Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): You will be responsible for creating, writing, and updating comprehensive SOPs, testing protocols, and parameter ranges for specialized, routine, and emergency laboratory testing. This ensures consistency and accuracy across all laboratory sections and outlying clinics.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Perform in-depth statistical and mathematical analyses of QA/QC data, proficiency testing results, and laboratory performance metrics. Identify trends, generate data-driven executive summaries, and provide briefings to higher-level leadership to inform decision-making.
• Collaboration and Technical Consultation: Maintain frequent communication with the geographically separated Laboratory Director and Laboratory Consultant. Collaborate to align diagnostic operations, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and ensure consistent adherence to clinical standards across different facilities.
• Team Management and Development: Direct, schedule, and evaluate a diverse workforce, including DoD civilians, local nationals, and military service members. This includes preparing performance evaluations, setting work priorities, providing technical training, and fostering professional growth.
• Committee Participation: Actively participate in key DHA and clinic committees, such as Risk Management and Quality Improvement. Consult with physicians and nurses to enhance patient care and resolve diagnostic or operational challenges.
• Resource and Contract Management: Coordinate with other Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and servicing offices to manage contracts, purchase requisitions, vouchers, and inventory for essential laboratory supplies, reagents, and diagnostic equipment, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
• Supervisory Authority: Exercise full supervisory authority over position management, recruitment requests, promotions, performance awards, leave approvals, and the resolution of employee complaints, grievances, and administrative inquiries.
• Instrument and System Management: Oversee the validation, calibration, and preventive maintenance of laboratory instruments and new test systems. This requires coordination with stateside resources and meticulous archiving of electronic verification records within MHS GENESIS and Laboratory Information System (LIS) protocols.
• Promoting a Positive Work Environment: Champion and enforce Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) policies, cultivating a fair, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace for all laboratory personnel.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet specific qualifications. Please review the following carefully:

Who May Apply:

• U.S. Citizens

Basic Requirement for Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist:

• Option A: A Bachelor's or higher-level degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including coursework in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or a similarly recognized accrediting body at the time the degree was obtained.
• Option B: At least a full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. This could be a 1-year post-bachelor's certificate program or the final 1-2 years of a 4-year program culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.
• Option C: A Bachelor's or higher-level degree from an accredited college/university with specific coursework (16 semester hours in biological science including microbiology, 16 semester hours in chemistry including organic or biochemistry, one semester in mathematics) AND five years of full-time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination must demonstrate an equivalent understanding of medical technology principles.

Important Notes on Education and Experience:

• All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit towards a science major at an accredited college or university.
• Acceptable experience includes responsible professional or technician experience in hospital labs, health agencies, industrial medical labs, or pharmaceutical firms, as well as teaching, test development, or medical research roles providing an understanding of clinical laboratory work.
• Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) from a nationally recognized credentialing agency or state licensing body is a strong indicator of acceptable experience.
• Foreign Education: If your education was obtained outside the U.S., you must provide documentation from a recognized U.S. organization verifying its equivalency to U.S. education standards. Visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ for more information.

Exemption: Federal employees currently occupying a 0644 occupational series position since September 27, 2017, or earlier, are exempt from the basic requirements but must provide validating documentation.

Specialized Experience:

• One year of specialized experience is required. This experience must include: conducting specialized testing across all areas of a medical laboratory; maintaining comprehensive quality control measures; developing or updating medical laboratory operating procedures; and monitoring laboratory workload to ensure timely task completion. This experience is typically equivalent to the GS-9 level in the federal service.

No Substitution: For this position, education cannot be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirement for Positions Above GS-7: Experience or graduate education must be in the general field of medical technology, a specific discipline of medical technology, or a directly related applicable field. Clinical laboratory intern experience from an accredited program may be credited month-for-month towards the GS-7 specialized experience requirement.

License/Certification: A job-related license or certification is required. You MUST submit a copy with your application package or you will be rated ineligible.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, candidates who possess the following qualifications will have a stronger application:

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a clinical laboratory team.
• Familiarity and experience with accreditation standards and processes for organizations like CAP, TJC, and FDA.
• Proficiency in analyzing laboratory data to identify trends and drive quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience supervising a diverse workforce, including civilian, military, and local national personnel.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic health record systems, such as MHS GENESIS.

Skills Crucial for Success

This role demands a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and operational management skills. Key skills include:

• Clinical Laboratory Science Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of all major laboratory disciplines (e.g., Microbiology, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology).
• Quality Assurance and Control: Proven ability to implement and maintain robust QA/QC programs.
• Procedural Development: Skill in creating, documenting, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Data Analysis: Ability to perform statistical analysis on laboratory data and interpret results.
• Laboratory Management: Experience in supervising staff, managing workloads, and overseeing daily operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Deep understanding of accrediting and regulatory requirements (CAP, TJC, FDA, CLIA).
• Leadership and Mentorship: Capacity to lead, motivate, and mentor a diverse team.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting and collaboration.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to manage and maintain laboratory instrumentation and new systems.
• Resource Management: Skills in coordinating procurement, inventory, and contract management.
• Human Resources Management: Competence in performance management, employee relations, and policy enforcement.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is structured as a GS-11 grade. The annual salary ranges from $63,795 to $82,938 per year. Locality pay does not apply to overseas locations.

Benefits and Perks of Overseas Service

Choosing to serve at SHAPE, Belgium, offers a unique set of benefits beyond the standard federal compensation:

• Competitive Salary: A GS-11 salary within the range of $63,795 - $82,938 annually.
• International Experience: The opportunity to live and work in a vibrant European setting.
• Housing Allowances: Potential eligibility for Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or assignment to government quarters.
• Home Leave: Entitlement to home leave, facilitating visits back to your home country.
• Incentives: Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Work-Life Balance: Advanced Leave Accrual may be authorized, potentially increasing your annual leave.
• Relocation Support: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized to facilitate your move.
• Healthcare Access: Access to military medical and dental treatment facilities on a space-available and reimbursable basis for you and eligible family members.
• Educational Support: Children may be eligible for enrollment in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continued learning and professional development within the DHA.

Note: Eligibility for foreign area benefits is determined at the time of hire per Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) and DoDI 1400.25.

How to Apply: Your Path to SHAPE

Applying for this exciting overseas opportunity is a straightforward process managed through USAJOBS:

1. Create or Access Your USAJOBS Account: If you don't have one, create a free account at USAJOBS.gov. If you do, log in.
2. Complete the Online Questionnaire: Access the questionnaire via the announcement link and answer all questions accurately and completely. This is a critical part of your application.
3. Prepare Your Supporting Documents: Ensure you have the following ready:
   • Resume: Must be two pages or less, clearly detailing your relevant experience, including employer name, job title, start/end dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and specific duties that demonstrate your qualifications. Avoid excessive acronyms.
   • Transcripts: Required if you are qualifying based on education. Unofficial copies are acceptable for application, but official transcripts may be requested later.
   • License/Certification: A copy of your required professional license or certification is mandatory.
4. Upload Documents: Utilize the document upload feature within the USAJOBS application portal. Allow time for virus scans, which can take several hours.
5. Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire application package, including your resume, questionnaire responses, and uploaded documents, for accuracy and completeness. Ensure all required documents are attached.
6. Submit by Deadline: The application must be submitted no later than November 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Important Note: Your application is considered complete only when all required documents are submitted by the closing date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Tips for a Strong Submission

To maximize your chances of success, consider these helpful tips:

• Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly link your experience and skills to the requirements and duties listed in the job announcement. Use keywords found in the announcement.
• Conciseness is Key: Adhere strictly to the two-page limit for your resume. Longer resumes will be removed.
• Detail Your Experience: For each work experience, provide specific details about your responsibilities and accomplishments that align with the specialized experience required. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Complete Documentation: Do not overlook any required documents. Missing transcripts or licenses are common reasons for ineligibility.
• Proofread Everything: Before submitting, thoroughly check your resume, questionnaire answers, and any uploaded documents for typos, grammatical errors, or omissions.
• Utilize Resources: Refer to the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center and the USAJOBS Help section for guidance on creating effective resumes and navigating the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Who is eligible to apply for this position? A: This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens. Certain personnel of the DoD Workforce may also be considered.

• Q: What are the basic educational requirements for this role? A: A Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics, coupled with the completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program. Alternatively, specific coursework and clinical experience may qualify.

• Q: Is there a specific type of experience required? A: Yes, one year of specialized experience is required, typically at the GS-9 level, involving conducting specialized testing, maintaining quality control, developing procedures, and monitoring laboratory workload.

• Q: Can I substitute education for experience? A: No, for this particular position, you must meet the qualification requirements using experience alone; education cannot be substituted for the required experience.

• Q: What are the salary expectations for this position? A: The salary ranges from $63,795 to $82,938 per year, based on the GS-11 grade.

• Q: Will relocation assistance be provided? A: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized. However, the Defense National Relocation Program is not authorized. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be offered to highly qualified candidates.

• Q: What are some of the benefits of working overseas with the DHA? A: Benefits may include potential foreign area allowances (e.g., LQA), home leave, and access to military medical facilities on a space-available, reimbursable basis. Children may also be eligible for DoDEA school enrollment.

This Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist position with the Defense Health Agency in SHAPE, Belgium, presents an exceptional career opportunity for a qualified professional. It combines challenging leadership responsibilities with the unique experience of serving abroad, contributing directly to the health and well-being of the military community. If you are ready to take on a role where your expertise in laboratory science and leadership can make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply. Ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date to be considered for this vital position.