Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in Arizona
Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Arizona are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in hospital systems, reference laboratories, and outpatient diagnostics, with openings at every level from entry-level generalist through senior and lead scientist. The heaviest hiring is in Phoenix, Tucson, and the East Valley, where Banner Health, Dignity Health, and Mayo Clinic Arizona maintain large laboratory operations. The most sought-after specialties in Arizona right now are microbiology, hematology, and molecular diagnostics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Summary
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist works within the Pathology and Laboratory service line at the Phoenix VA. The CLS will work independently as they carry out day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be reviewed two weeks after the opening date of this announcement and every two weeks after until the announcement closes on 11/30/2026. See how you will be evaluated for referral order. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Major Duties:
- Performs a broad range of standard, advanced, and complex laboratory procedures, recognizes deviations from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles, and recognizes and communicates predefined critical results to appropriate staff.
- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens, understands specimen requirements, and accounts for physiologic processes that may affect specimen analysis.
- Maintains laboratory equipment and documents maintenance according to laboratory policies and procedures. Performs instrument calibrations and repairs, provides preventive maintenance, identifies instrument malfunctions, and documents and resolves deviations of instrument performance.
- Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
- Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
- Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, FDA, NEO, JC, MBB, and OSHA.
- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions.
- Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test resuIts, interprets resuIts and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
- Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
- Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Dean.Sitzler@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: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation.
- 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.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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.
- 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.
- Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
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).
- 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.
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, GS-11
- Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
- Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. or
- Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
- Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
- Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
- Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
- Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
- Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
Preferred Experience: Current working knowledge of clinical laboratory concepts. Hospital laboratory experience preferred.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Moderate Lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light Carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Walking - 2 hours; Standing - 2 hours; Near vison correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vison correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted)Mental/Emotional Stability required; Working closely with others; Working alone
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This announcement is open to the public, eligible applicants will be referred in the following order:
1) Current permanent VA employees of the Phoenix VAMC
2)All other VA employees
3) All other applicants
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Transcript
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
- 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
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 11/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13081592.
- 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.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Agency contact information
650 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
US
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.
Overview
- 0644 Clinical Laboratory Science
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
See All 6 Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in Arizona
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Find JobsMedical Laboratory Scientist Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Medical Laboratory Scientist Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical laboratory scientist jobs across Arizona.
- Active Arizona-recognized MLS or CLS license or ASCP Board of Certification credential required
- Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or related biological field
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems and automated analyzers used in clinical settings
- Minimum one year of clinical laboratory experience in a hospital or reference lab setting
- Ability to perform and interpret tests across core disciplines including hematology, chemistry, and microbiology
- Strong quality control and compliance knowledge aligned with CAP and CLIA regulatory standards
Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a medical laboratory scientist in Arizona?
Arizona requires medical laboratory scientists to hold a license issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services, which oversees clinical laboratory personnel certification in the state. Candidates must first complete a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a closely related field from an accredited program, then pass a nationally recognized exam such as the ASCP Board of Certification MLS examination. Once certified, you apply to the Arizona Department of Health Services for your clinical laboratory scientist license before beginning independent practice.
Which companies hire medical laboratory scientists in Arizona?
Employers hiring medical laboratory scientists in Arizona right now include US Department of Veterans Affairs, CommonSpirit Health, and US Indian Health Service, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Arizona's large integrated health systems and national reference laboratory networks together account for the majority of consistent full-time openings across the state.
Which Arizona cities have the most medical laboratory scientist jobs?
Phoenix, Tuba City, and Camp Verde have the most medical laboratory scientist openings in Arizona. Phoenix dominates because of the concentration of large hospital systems, specialty clinics, and reference laboratories headquartered in the metro, while Tucson draws steady demand from Banner University Medical Center and the University of Arizona Health Network, and smaller cities reflect the footprint of regional hospitals and outpatient lab networks serving those communities.
Are there remote medical laboratory scientist jobs in Arizona?
Yes, but they're rare. Medical laboratory science is a hands-on profession requiring physical specimen handling and operation of laboratory instrumentation, which limits remote work for the vast majority of positions. About 0% of medical laboratory scientist openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those roles tend to be in laboratory management, quality assurance review, or telephematology rather than bench science.
How can I get hired as a medical laboratory scientist in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or generalist positions at large Arizona health systems like Banner Health or Dignity Health, which regularly hire candidates who have completed an accredited MLS program and hold or are eligible for their ASCP certification even without post-graduation work history. Laboratory assistant and phlebotomy roles at those same institutions offer a practical way to build clinical familiarity and internal visibility before moving into a scientist position. Completing your Arizona Department of Health Services license promptly and noting any clinical rotations or capstone laboratory experience on your application gives you a concrete edge over candidates who have not yet cleared licensing.
Where can I find and apply to medical laboratory scientist jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to medical laboratory scientist jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings from employers actively hiring. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
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