Clinical Lab Scientist

Benefits

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines the award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after review by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with 38 U.S.C.§7407(a).
• English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in spoken and written English required per 38 U.S.C.§7403(f).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Must meet one of the following:
  • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
  • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
  • Categorical or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
• Note: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the certification held.
• May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision (VA Qualification Standard) – applicable only to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria.
• Grade Determinations (GS‑11):
  • Experience or Education: Either 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, OR 3 full years of progressively