Job Description
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is in the Pathology and Lab Services at the VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta, Maine. This is an intermittent role, meaning hours are not full-time or part-time but as needed.
The scientist develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current regulatory requirements. Duties span multiple specialties: chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology.
You will work with manual and automated methods on biological specimens and environmental samples, conduct quality control, perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting, and correlate abnormal lab data with pathological states.
The work area requires independent judgment, organizing priorities with minimal technical supervision, and monitoring quality control systems. This position is open to all US citizens. Due to a critical staffing shortage, veterans' preference is waived under 38 U.S.C. § 7412. The 2-page resume requirement does not apply.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $72,272 - $139,054 per year.
Qualification
Applicants must be US citizens, proficient in English, and hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Certification as an MLS (ASCP BOC or AMT) or MT (ASCP BOR or AMT) is required, or categorical/specialist certification for higher-graded positions.
Non-certified applicants may be hired under temporary appointment if eligible for certification.
- United States Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- English Language Proficiency: must be proficient in spoken and written English.
- Education: bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Certification: Generalist certification as MLS (ASCP BOC or AMT) or MT (ASCP BOR or AMT); or categorical/specialist certification for higher-graded positions in relevant lab sections.
- Categorical/specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the certification.
- Non-certified applicants may be hired if they meet eligibility for MLS certification exam and are under temporary appointment (max 2 years) with supervision.
- GS-07: No experience beyond basic requirements; entry-level with daily direct supervision.
- GS-09: One year of creditable experience at GS-07 OR a master's degree or two academic years of graduate education in medical technology or related science.
- GS-11: One year of creditable experience at GS-09 OR three full years of graduate education or a Ph.D. in medical technology or related science.
- GS-09 and GS-11 require demonstrated KSAs: knowledge of lab policies, quality control, equipment, teamwork, and ability to perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform a variety of laboratory specialties including chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology.
- Analyze biological specimens and environmental samples using manual or automated methods.
- Conduct quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation; troubleshoot issues.
- Correlate abnormal lab data with pathological states; determine validity of test results and need for additional tests.
- Exercise independent judgment, organize priorities, and work with minimal technical supervision.
- Assess situations, consider options, and formulate appropriate courses of action.
- Monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- Provide education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner.
Conditions & Requirements
- Must be a US citizen.
- Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Must complete online onboarding process.
- REAL ID compliant identification required for employment (effective May 7, 2025).
- Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program required for all VA Health Care Personnel.
- Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period; continued employment must advance public interest.
- Wearing a face mask may be required if influenza vaccination exemption is granted.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application, resume, and supporting documents will be reviewed to ensure qualifications and eligibility.
- You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement.
- Be clear and specific in describing your experience; assumptions will not be made.
- Volunteer work, including National Service programs, is credited as qualifying experience.
- VA performs pre-employment reference checks to verify information and assess abilities.
- After the announcement closes, a referral certificate is issued and applicants are notified by email.
- Referred applicants may be contacted for an interview; final selection notification is sent to all referred applicants.
Required Documents
- Resume (no page limit; use the standard Clinical Resume Document for the two-page restricted field, and upload full resume/CV in 'Other' field).
- Transcript (if using education to qualify; must be from accredited institution).
- Cover Letter (optional but accepted).
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (for veterans' preference, though waived for this announcement).
- Disability Letter (Schedule A or VA) if applicable.
- Professional Certification (if applicable).
- Separation Notice (RIF) if applicable.
- SF-15 (if claiming veterans' preference).
- SF-50/Notification of Personnel Action (for current/former federal employees).
- Other supporting documents as needed.
Benefits
- Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (intermittent) and hours worked.
- Access to federal employee benefits such as Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and flexible spending accounts.
- Opportunity for career advancement within VA healthcare system.
How to Apply
- To apply, go to the official application portal and open the announcement. with your the official application portal or Login.gov account. Complete the online application questionnaire. Attach your federal resume and all required documents (transcript, certifications, etc.). Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on August 17, 2026. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. You can ch…
Additional Information
- This position is intermittent, meaning work hours are not regular; you work as needed.
- The announcement is open to all US citizens; veterans' preference is waived under 38 U.S.C. § 7412 due to critical staffing shortage.
- The 2-page resume requirement does not apply; you may submit a longer resume.
- Non-certified applicants may be hired under temporary appointment (max 2 years) if eligible for certification; must work under supervision.
- Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency by a recognized service; submit certificate with transcript.
- All VA Health Care Personnel must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program; exemptions available for medical or religious reasons.
- REAL ID compliant identification required for employment after May 7, 2025.
- Contact Donna Davies at (603) 624-4366 X205077 or [email protected] for questions.
- Address: VA Maine Healthcare System, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330.
About Company
The VA Maine Healthcare System provides complete healthcare services to veterans across Maine. It operates medical centers, clinics, and community-based outpatient clinics, including the Augusta location. The Pathology and Lab Services department supports clinical diagnosis and treatment through laboratory testing.
Working here means serving those who served, in a public service federal environment with structured career paths and benefits. VA Maine Healthcare System is named as the hiring organisation for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.