Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Join the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated professional in the clinical laboratory sciences field looking to make a meaningful impact? The A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center is currently recruiting a skilled Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join their team in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This position is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a high-stakes, rewarding environment dedicated to the health and readiness of military personnel and their families.
Job Responsibilities
The selected candidate will coordinate a wide range of clinical services within a laboratory setting. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing SOPs for bacteriology, mycology, and molecular testing.
- Ensuring all laboratory practices comply with CLSI and CAP standards.
- Troubleshooting complex instrumentation and resolving testing discrepancies.
- Leading staff education and prioritizing daily lab workflows.
- Managing quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A Bachelor's or higher degree with specific credit hours in biology, chemistry, and math.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, focusing on infectious disease analysis and automated platform operation.
Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement Type | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Min. 1 Year Specialized | Mandatory |
| Education | Bachelor's/Higher | Mandatory |
| Certification | ASCP/AMT Preferred | Highly Recommended |
| Clearance | Not Required | N/A |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range, reflecting the technical requirements of the role, between $102,415 and $133,142 per year. This range includes applicable locality pay.
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous leave accrual, including vacation and sick time.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less.
- Detailing Experience: Clearly document your specialized experience in bacteriology and molecular diagnostics.
- Documentation: Always submit your transcripts and certifications to avoid an automatic 'ineligible' status.
Serving as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the readiness of our armed forces. With competitive pay and a critical mission, this is an ideal role for an expert in the field. Apply by November 16, 2026, to be considered.
Why This Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical laboratory science at the prestigious A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center, where your expertise in microbiology and diagnostics directly supports the health and readiness of our nation's service members and their families.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join the team at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role, you will play a vital part in coordinating comprehensive laboratory services, ensuring rigorous quality standards, and implementing specialized protocols in microbiology. This position is a significant opportunity to serve within an integrated healthcare environment, contributing to the wellness of over 9.5 million beneficiaries across the Department of Defense.
Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution including coursework in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics
- Completion of a NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program OR equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
- Documented proficiency in infectious disease analysis (Bacteriology, Molecular Diagnostics, Virology, etc.)
- Experience in operating automated blood culture and ID/AST platforms
- Proven history of overseeing quality assurance and performance improvement
- Ability to provide relevant transcripts and proof of certifications
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Certification from the American Medical Technologist (AMT)
- Proven ability to manage laboratory workflows and staff education
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a federal medical environment
💡 How to Apply Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages or less.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required transcripts, certifications, and supporting documentation.
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Submit your package by the closing date of November 16, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the three points of specialized experience mentioned in the job post.
- Use plain language and avoid overly technical acronyms where possible.
- Check that your resume includes employer names, job titles, and hours worked per week.
- Upload documents early to allow sufficient time for virus scans to clear.
- Double-check your transcripts—if using education to qualify, this is mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, a security clearance is not required, though the position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) with moderate risk.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires meeting the qualification requirements through professional experience alone.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the agency requirements, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration.
How do I know if my foreign education is acceptable?
You must have your credentials evaluated by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education programs.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the backbone of healthcare for the Department of Defense. As an integrated health system, the DHA provides medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that enables combat support and provides world-class care at home and abroad.