Advance Your Career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Albany VA

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Albany VA Medical Center is currently hiring a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to support our mission of providing exceptional care to those who have served our nation. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to join a mission-driven team where your diagnostic expertise directly influences patient outcomes.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, your role is central to the diagnostic process. Your daily duties will include:

Diagnostic Testing: Performing complex, high-level laboratory procedures on various biological specimens.
Data Analysis: Interpreting test results and using independent judgment to validate findings.
Equipment Maintenance: Calibrating, troubleshooting, and repairing laboratory instrumentation.
Quality Control: Documenting and maintaining rigorous quality assurance standards.
Mentorship: Providing guidance and instruction to students and new laboratory staff members.
Collaboration: Working seamlessly with doctors and healthcare teams to provide actionable results.

Core Skills Comparison

Skill Category	Requirement Level	Impact on Care
Laboratory Analysis	High	Direct diagnostic accuracy
Equipment Proficiency	High	Operational efficiency
Clinical Communication	Moderate	Team-based treatment plans
Regulatory Compliance	High	Patient safety standards

Requirements

Candidates must meet specific criteria to be eligible for this federal position. Key requirements include:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in an appropriate scientific field.
Certification: ASCP or AMT certification as a Generalist (MLS/MT) or specialized certification.
Professionalism: High level of proficiency in spoken and written English.
Compliance: Ability to pass a background check and a pre-employment physical.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package designed to reward your commitment to public service. The salary range for this position is $84,484 – $109,835 per year.

Beyond salary, our benefits package is comprehensive:

Loan Repayment: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may reimburse up to $200,000 in student loans.
Time Off: Accrue 13–26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually, plus 11 federal holidays.
Retirement: A robust federal pension system and a 401k-style thrift savings plan with matching funds.
Insurance: Extensive options for health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume highlights your specific laboratory experience. If you are using education to qualify, ensure your transcripts are attached. Finally, confirm that you have completed all sections of the online questionnaire before the closing date of November 9, 2026.

If you possess the technical skill and the desire to serve, the Albany VA Medical Center offers a fulfilling and stable career path. With competitive pay, significant loan repayment opportunities, and a mission that truly matters, this is a prime opportunity for any Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Apply today and help us uphold President Lincoln's promise to our nation's Veterans.

Why This Clinical Lab Scientist Job Matters

Advance your career in clinical diagnostics while directly supporting our nation's heroes at the Albany VA Medical Center.

Clinical Lab Scientist Job Overview

The Albany VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join our Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service. In this critical role, you will perform, interpret, and validate essential laboratory testing, utilizing your expertise to ensure accurate diagnostic results that shape patient care. Working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, you will handle diverse specimens and sophisticated instrumentation, playing a vital role in our commitment to providing world-class healthcare to Veterans.

Requirements for Clinical Lab Scientist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Possess valid ASCP or AMT certification as a Generalist (MLS or MT) or relevant categorical/specialist certification.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Willingness to participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Lab Scientist

At least one year of professional experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
Strong background in laboratory quality control and performance improvement.
Experience in laboratory informatics and data management systems.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and maintain complex diagnostic instrumentation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401k (TSP) with matching agency contributions.
✓Generous paid time off: 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidies for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Clinical Lab Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Lab Scientist Job

Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation (resume, transcripts, certifications).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all supporting documents, including SF-50s or DD-214 if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed; do not leave gaps in your professional history.
Explicitly highlight your experience with clinical laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
Verify that your certification documents are current and clearly readable.
Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are filled out accurately to avoid disqualification.
Monitor your email for status updates after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which may provide student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the requirement to participate in rotating weekends and holidays.

Can I qualify with a foreign degree?

Yes, but you must provide an official evaluation proving that your degree is equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. program or provide documentation of certification eligibility from ASCP/AMT.

Is this position eligible for relocation assistance?

No, this specific position does not offer relocation incentives.

Do I need a specific certification?

Yes, candidates must hold a current Generalist certification (MLS or MT) from ASCP or AMT.

What is the work environment like?

You will work in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment within a dedicated Veteran healthcare facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. At the Albany VA Medical Center, we prioritize compassionate, whole-health care for our Veteran population. By working with us, you become part of a legacy of service, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure that our heroes receive the accurate and timely diagnostic support they deserve.