Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)
Veterans Health Administration
Posted: April 8, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Veterans Health Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Location
Salary
$120,498 - $156,651
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Healthcare & Medical jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading quality management in a clinical lab at a VA hospital in Katy, Texas, where you'll oversee operations, ensure compliance with regulations, and improve lab processes to support veteran healthcare.
It's ideal for an experienced lab scientist who enjoys managing teams, analyzing data for improvements, and maintaining high standards in a medical setting.
The role offers benefits like student loan repayment up to $200,000 for eligible candidates.
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.
You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.
Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
§ 7403 (f).Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S.
program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S.
clinical laboratory science degree program. OR The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager), GS-12: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating, and evaluating laboratory services.
Knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements pertaining to laboratory operations. Knowledge of laboratory operations and relationships to the organization.
Skill in applying laboratory quality control/assurance policies, procedures, and principles and safety practices and regulations.
Ability to apply quality management performance improvement principles, methodology, and processes to develop and manage a clinical laboratory quality management program.
Ability to apply statistical evaluation and analysis to quality assurance data and implement corrective actions when indicated.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.
May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing.
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Major Duties:
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent works in a smaller, less complex laboratory and is responsible for managing and supervising all phases of laboratory service operations.
Provides guidance and serves as an authority on laboratory medicine.
Develops guidelines, assesses laboratory effectiveness, establishes, and maintains quality assurance and performance improvement programs. Consults with local and network officials.
DUTIES: Develops guidelines. Assesses laboratory effectiveness. Establishes and maintains quality assurance programs. Serves as an authority on laboratory medicine.
Serves as a consultant to local, network, and national program officials. Keeps abreast of current research, clinical methods, and technical advances in the field.
Develops and integrates new techniques, and procedures into laboratory programs. Provides direction and guidance to staff. Develops and manages program budget.
Maintains coverage throughout the laboratory and active recruitment and personnel selection functions. Interprets and provides technical guidance on agency policies and procedures.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 3:30pm or 7:30am - 4:00pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
Contact demetius.roberts@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 580-02060-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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