Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist (RMLS) Job in Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic

Vacancy No. RMLS-2025-0001 Department Department of State - Agency Wide
Salary $74,450.00 to $79,220.00 Grade 05 to 05
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/8/2025 Close Date 1/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic


Summary

The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist (RMLS) positions. Learn more about Foreign Service medical careers.

There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements. Candidates may reapply one year after their most recent date of application submission for the same position. Candidates may not apply if a U.S. State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years for any position, (except if the denial was for a DS Special Agent (SA) candidate whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).

Duties

The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) in the Department of State maintains and promotes the health and well-being of the United States’ diplomatic community who represent a wide range of United States government agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists (RMLS); Physicians, Foreign Service Regional Medical Officers (RMOs); Psychiatrists, Foreign Service Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrists (RMOPs); and Family Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistants, Foreign Service Medical Providers (MPs) to selected posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical care that is inadequate by U.S. standards.

The Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist (RMLS) performs a wide variety of tests and procedures in Parasitology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Immunology, Hematology, Blood Banking, and Urinalysis. Duties also include training laboratory and non-laboratory professionals, assessing local laboratories, and addressing food safety, environmental, and water quality issues.

RMLS duties may include, but are not limited to, the following at each regional post of responsibility:

Clinical

  • Evaluate and report on the quality of local medical laboratory services, blood banks, and hospital laboratories at home and regional posts.
  • Serve as technical supervisor of regional laboratory personnel.
  • Conduct competency assessments at home and regional post.
  • Perform and report on medical and environmental laboratory tests.
  • Perform phlebotomy on patients of all ages.
  • Ensure patient confidentiality and records’ integrity.
  • Address food safety, environmental, and water quality issues.
  • Maintain credentials and continuing medical education.
  • Train health unit staff on specimen collection, processing, testing, and reporting.
  • Conduct food safety and other instructional classes. 
  • Perform sanitation inspections. 
  • Maintain a ServSafe® manager certification.

Diplomatic

  • Collaborate with local laboratory directors and managers.

Administrative

  • Manage the health unit laboratory operations.
  • Oversee Quality Management programs.
  • Write Exposure Control Plans.
  • Perform cost analyses to determine cost versus benefit when indicated to maintain fiscal responsibility.
  • Mentor new RMLSs.
  • Evaluate test methods.
  • Submit statistical reports to the Bureau of Medical Services.
  • Update the medical capabilities database.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Prepare laboratory testing information for the emergency preparedness programs.
  • Assist with post’s pandemic medical response plans.

Regional Care Responsibilities

  • Arrange and maintain a regional travel schedule to respond to immediate and routine post needs.
  • Maintain communication with regional health unit staff.
  • Liaise with Regional Medical Managers.
  • Maintain regular communication with the MED/LAB office in Washington, D.C.

An RMLS is considered essential personnel and is expected to be available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
  • Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
  • Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
  • Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
  • Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

At the time of application, the candidate must possess:

A minimum of five (5) years of full-time post-certification laboratory experience within the last ten (10) years in the Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology (i.e. Core Lab) areas of the laboratory, with experience and working knowledge in Parasitology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Urinalysis, with progressively responsible experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

The candidate must also submit in the application proof of the following:

  1. Proof of successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited Medical Laboratory Science program; or Proof of successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course.
  2. Current national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification. (For ASCP certifications credentialed prior to 01/01/2004, candidates must upload proof of participation in Credential Maintenance Program with no expiration date. For ASCP certifications credentialed after 01/01/2004, candidates must upload their current active certification.)

          Or Current national certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT)

          Or Current state licensure.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.

  • The candidate must have demonstrated skill in performing tests with detail and accuracy and providing information to appropriate individuals, as necessary. The work involves exercising a high degree of laboratory management and technical expertise.
  • The candidate must have knowledge of the following: Medical Laboratory Science, General Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Quality Control procedures, Quality Assurance plans, laboratory equipment used in performing a variety of laboratory tests, skill in performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment, ability to train other medical professionals in laboratory techniques is required.
  • The candidate must be a skilled and experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist capable of working independently. Experience in performing laboratory techniques to diagnose infectious and tropical diseases is preferred.
  • The candidate must have the ability to develop, coordinate, and administer food and safety programs and procedures, including teaching laboratory and safety topics to both small and large groups.
  • The candidate must be able to organize and supervise a diverse group of health care staff with varying degrees of expertise, education, and command of English. The candidate must understand the unique cultural differences related to laboratory methods and health care delivery in varied countries and address these differences in a positive manner.
  • The candidate must have the capacity to gain the cooperation and confidence of patients, co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Individuals must have experience in working in a multidisciplinary setting as well as experience in team building, leadership, and management. Effective written and oral communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to present laboratory findings in a clear and concise manner to medical and non-medical personnel. Demonstrated ability to teach or lecture to groups on laboratory issues is preferred.
  • General computer and Microsoft Office skills are required.

The candidate must demonstrate a high degree of technical expertise with management experience. 

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage the administrative aspects of a health unit laboratory, as well as the ability to cope with extraordinary issues, which may occur in remote and isolated settings. Previous experience working as a supervisor or section chief, or in an overseas setting, is advantageous.

The candidate must be a skilled and experienced medial laboratory scientist with excellent interpersonal skills. The candidate must be able to function well within a complex organization and have experience working in a high stress environment and recognize and understand the problems of delivering laboratory services to U.S. citizens posted in locations where local laboratory resources are limited or non-existent. The ability to objectively evaluate the quality of laboratory services based on observations and open-ended questions, and the ability to provide long distance assessment of issues via electronic communications such as video conference software, telephone, radio, and email.

Specific medical knowledge areas required by the job include:  medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory standards, medical laboratory equipment, specimen collection, computer medical records and programs, international air transport association (IATA) regulations, and water testing methods and standards.

Specific medical skills required by the job include:  performing laboratory tests, selecting laboratory tests, collecting specimens, analyzing, observing, interviewing, and controlling laboratory documents.

Management skills required by the job include:  supervising, overseeing, managing laboratories, training, organizing, multitasking, working with others of diverse backgrounds, managing resources, budgeting, contracting, and using computers.

Personal skills required by the job include:  reading comprehension, active listening, active learning, oral and written communication, public speaking, complex problem identification, critical thinking, social perceptiveness, interpersonal skills, persuasion, service orientation, monitoring, coordination, process operation and control, and equipment selection and installation.

Other attributes required by the job include:  compassionate, self-sufficient, independent but integrated with the department, interest in continuous learning and change, attention to detail, dependable, tolerance of travel, worldwide available, tolerance of living away from family, and tolerance of working and living in difficult and/or isolated or high-threat locations.

Superior oral and written communication skills: Foreign Service Specialists must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness). The candidate must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 

Essential Physical Requirements

The most important physical requirements of the job are:  vision, speaking, mobility, dexterity, physical endurance, mental endurance, and hearing.

RMLSs may need to perform essential functions effectively with or without reasonable accommodation, in environments that pose physical or other occupational challenges. These duties may include:

  • Provision of direct patient care that may require heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, bending, and twisting in tight and limited spaces.
  • Travelling independently to regional posts using commercial air carriers, military aircraft, or other transportation modalities that may not offer special access accommodations.
  • Provision of emergency care in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack and emergency care in potentially hostile or physically challenging environments, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas with irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting, walking, and running on uneven terrain.
  • Transportation of self or patients via small aircraft, helicopters, ambulances, or other non-standard modes of transportation with small entrances and high floors, such as high-axle armored vehicles.

Education

At the time of application, the candidate must meet the below qualifications and have a minimum of five (5) years of full-time post-certification laboratory experience within the last ten (10) years in the Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology (i.e. Core Lab) areas of the laboratory, with experience and working knowledge in Parasitology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Urinalysis, with progressively responsible experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist:

  • A Bachelor's or a Master's degree from a regionally accredited college/university in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology OR biological science (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry).

AND

  • Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited Medical Laboratory Science program OR successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course.

AND

  • Hold a current national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification OR a current national certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT) OR current state licensure. For ASCP certifications, those credentialed prior to 01/01/2004 must upload proof of participation in Credential Maintenance Program with no expiration date. Those credentialed after 01/01/2004 must upload their current active certification.

Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education

Foreign education acquired outside of any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any territory or possession of the U.S. must be evaluated by a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services (NACES or AICE) in order to be given credit towards qualification.

  • The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts.
  • Foreign education transcripts that have not been evaluated by a credential evaluation service will not be accepted and the candidacy will be terminated.

For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management, Foreign Education section, and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.

Please refer to the Required Documents Section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.

Additional information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the U.S. – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**The U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit the FAM.

***For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference/.

No candidate will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no candidate will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The U.S. Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. For more information visit Requesting Reasonable Accommodations - Careers (state.gov). Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits

Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.

The starting salary range is FP-05, steps 5 through 14, from the FS Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by graduate level education and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Additional steps may be granted based on the following: one step for the first graduate degree below the doctoral level in a work-related field awarded before date of appointment; two steps for a doctoral degree in a work-related field awarded before date of appointment; one step for a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Clinical Laboratory Science, other applicable Scientific Master’s degree, or Laboratory Management; one step for Master of Business Administration (MBA). Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please view our benefits. 

Continuing Medical Education (CME) 
RMLSs receive at least 12 hours of CME credit through an annual State Department-sponsored CME program.

Recruitment Bonus

Candidates are eligible for a 10% recruitment bonus. 

Review our benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

The Department of State prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application materials to include responses to questions in which candidates must provide a narrative response. Candidates must create their own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. The Department analyzes candidate submissions for plagiarism and will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this plagiarism policy.

While the Department of State encourages candidates to create their narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, candidates are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, to aid in their written responses. The Department will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application process.

Medical Credential Verification and Indemnification
The candidate is subject to a credential verification process conducted by the Quality Management Staff Unit of the Bureau of Medical Services. This process includes query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and independent verification of state licenses and national certifications. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act, so long as they are acting within their scope of work.

Active Bureau of Medical Services clinical privileges, specific to the position, are a condition of employment for all Foreign Service Medical Specialists.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement.  PDF documents are required. The candidacy will be terminated if the required documents do not meet the requirements below or if the application is incomplete. 

1. Resume from USAJobs Resume Builder, the only resume format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.

2. The candidate must answer all self-assessment questions, include 10-years of work history, and complete the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest in the online application. Applications missing any responses will be terminated.

a. Accomplishments Questionnaire

These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from the candidate’s education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate their qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of the candidate’s professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer for each item. Compose carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Information in cover letters, resumes, or CVs, but not included in the application, will not be accepted/reviewed.

Laboratory Skills: Describe a specific complex laboratory case, which you have encountered that demonstrates your laboratory skills in identifying and investigating an unexpected laboratory result.

Leadership and Management Skills: Describe a situation that demonstrates your ability to lead and accomplish a specific task or goal. Describe examples of your skills leading a team of employees, colleagues, or coworkers.

Technology Skills and Troubleshooting: Describe your skill and give an example in managing laboratory instruments and technology, including conducting complex procedures and troubleshooting equipment. 

Organizational Abilities: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary clinical team or practice.

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Use specific examples to describe your troubleshooting skills involving laboratory processes and procedures.

Public Speaking and Teaching Ability: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.

Management Skills:  Describe examples of your skills in operating laboratories, including supervising employees and administrative tasks.

Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example of dealing with a difficult supervisor or colleague. How did you approach the situation and what resources did you use to help resolve the conflict?

Work flexibility:  Describe examples illustrating your willingness to change, learn, and take on new assignments.

b. Statement of Interest

This required narrative should discuss:

  • Motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
  • Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g. computer skills), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position.
  • Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas, or in the United States.

3. Education Documents

The candidate must submit university transcripts to demonstrate they possess the educational level required for this position or the candidacy will be terminated. University diplomas are not accepted in lieu of transcripts. The transcripts must:

  • Be in PDF format. Other formats will be rejected.
  • Include the candidate’s name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded/conferred. 
  • Be an attachment. Documents sent via link, directly from credential evaluation services, secured message, or any other non-attachment format will be rejected.
  • Have no missing pages.
  • Be legible.
  • All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education information in the Education Requirements section.

4. Certifications and Professional Licenses

Attach the required certifications outlined in the Requirements section.

5. Veteran’s Preference documentation for candidates aged 60 to 64.  If claiming Veteran’s Preference, submit with the application a copy of the candidate’s DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include the candidate’s Character of Service. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, the candidate’s VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received the DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.

How to Apply

The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. It is the candidate’s responsibility complete and submit the application and all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions.

1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Login screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume. 

3. USAJobs will transfer you to the U.S. State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. The Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.

4. Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows:

    a. Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio;

    b. Upload documents from your computer; or,

    c. Resubmit documents from a previous application. 

5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the submitted documents. Multiple transcript documents can be scanned into one pdf document.

6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
 
Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application must contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring processes, please visit our FAQs. 

Agency contact information

RMLS Vacancy Info
Address
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, NW
SA-01
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information.

Candidates should use a personal email address to which they will have regular, long-term access throughout the hiring process. Candidates who are current U.S. government employees may not use their U.S. government email addresses for the Foreign Service application, testing, and assessment process.

Candidates will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. Candidates should add the U.S. Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.

Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.

The Department of State will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit our FAQs.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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