Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job in Charleston, SC

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service with the responsibility for testing performed in Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, lmmunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Diagnostic sections at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, a tertiary healthcare facility that provides acute, intermediate, primary, psychiatric, and long term care 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week and on public holidays.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is responsible for assessing, conducting, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and reliability of test outcomes. This CLS showcases progressive clinical expertise and experience through the execution of testing protocols on various biological samples using both manual and automated techniques. Tasks encompass routine testing, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, and problem-solving. Any deviations from standard procedures, unexpected issues, or unfamiliar scenarios are escalated to the full performance CLS or above for guidance.

Under close supervision and daily guidance of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at or above the full performance level (FPL) the employee performs the following functions:

• Ability to demonstrate development in CLS procedures and testing.
• Accession samples and requests with appropriate documentation of any issues as applicable to each work area.
• Utilizes both manual and automated testing techniques.
• Performs routine testing, quality control, maintenance, and documentation of optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions of laboratory equipment.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
• The Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service/Laboratory Director will assign all lab personnel to CUA roles.
• Accession samples and requests with appropriate documentation of any issues as applicable to each work area.
• Performs laboratory testing and tasks of the CLS occupation.
• Under direct technical supervision, performs and documents quality control and corrective actions related to test performance.
• Under direct technical supervision, adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• The Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service/Laboratory Director will assign all lab personnel to CUA roles.
• Responsible for CUA Laboratory Director delegated duties to include, but not limited to:
  • Following the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
  • Proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
  • Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document quality control activities, instrument, and maintenance.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12788120.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.