About the opportunity
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a qualified Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical) – Laboratory Information at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This position carries out day-to-day operations and is responsible for the oversight of the laboratory information system, interfaces, and data validation management for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The incumbent independently manages the approved laboratory information system to create or modify tests, panels, and rule sets, validates new instrument connectivity, and ensures the accuracy and integrity of test results transmission. Major responsibilities include troubleshooting complex communication issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, developing downtime and backup procedures, and serving as a technical expert and liaison between administration, clinical staff, and the Office of Information Technology.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range of $127,286 to $165,474 per annum (GS-13)
- Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program providing up to $200,000
- Federal employee health, retirement, and insurance benefits
- Paid time off, federal holidays, and leave programs
Who can apply?
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science or a related field
- Certification: Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC, ASCP BOR, or AMT, or categorical/specialist certification by ASCP or AMT relevant to the assignment
- English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English
- Experience: One year of creditable specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12), demonstrating the necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Required documents
- Professional Certification
- Resume / CV
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable)
- Transcript (mandatory if using education to qualify)
- Standard Clinical Resume Document (downloadable template required for the two-page restricted 'Resume' upload field)
- Written responses to Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document (highly recommended)
- Cover Letter (optional)
- License (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications open on August 28, 2026
- Application closing date is September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Review the job announcement and ensure all required documents are prepared, including transcripts, certifications, and specific resume formatting
- Click 'Apply Online' on USAJOBS to create an account or log in to an existing account
- Complete the occupational questionnaire
- Upload your resume, transcripts, certification, and supporting documentation into the designated fields
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on September 8, 2026
Additional information
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status
- Selected applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation, physical examination, and a drug screening urinalysis
- A 1 or 2-year trial period is required as a condition of employment
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
- Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You possess a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field along with a generalist certification as an MLS or MT from ASCP or AMT, or relevant categorical/specialist certification.
- You have at least one year of creditable specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level demonstrating advanced knowledge in laboratory information systems and data validation management.
- You are seeking a full-time, on-site federal career based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, within the Veterans Health Administration.
- You want to leverage federal benefits such as comprehensive health and retirement insurance alongside eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program for student loan reimbursement up to $200,000.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires physical presence on-site at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, meaning relocation to the area is necessary if you do not already live nearby.
- The position is classified under the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status, and it requires navigating a strict application process with specific mandatory document formats like a two-page restricted resume.
- Candidates must be prepared to undergo a background investigation, physical examination, drug screening urinalysis, a 1 or 2-year trial period, and mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination.
- You should verify specific details regarding the exact EDRP award amounts and approval timelines directly with the VHA since funding is subject to program guidelines.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This GS-13 position can serve as a major milestone for a clinical laboratory professional aiming to transition into high-level laboratory information systems management within the federal health sector. The combination of a strong salary scale ranging from $127,286 to $165,474, robust federal retirement benefits, and significant student loan repayment through the EDRP makes it an excellent fit for mid-to-senior career specialists looking to secure long-term financial stability while serving veterans.
Our take
Certified clinical laboratory scientists with specialized information systems experience who are ready for an on-site federal role in Minneapolis should seriously consider applying before the September 8, 2026 deadline. Non-citizens or individuals unable to meet the strict documentation, background check, and trial period requirements will find this opportunity unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
