Senior Scientist Microbial Reference CL050

Advance Your Career in Microbial Science

with the Commonwealth of Virginia

Are you ready to take your microbiology expertise to the next level TheVirginia Department of General Services (DGS)is seeking aSenior Scientistto join theMicrobial Reference Groupat theDivision of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS)one of the most advanced and diverse state laboratories in the nation. If youre passionate about public health scientific excellence and making a real impact this is your opportunity to lead high complexity testing that supports the Commonwealths critical diagnostic missions.

Title: Senior Scientist (Microbial Reference) CL050

State Role Title:Scientist II

Hiring Range: $69000 - $83000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location:DCLS

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Senior Scientist in the Microbial Reference Group for the Commonwealths Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) which is one of the largest and most diverse consolidated state laboratories in the nation. With an annual budget of over 30 million dollars and over 250 state employees DCLS performs approximately 9 million tests annually. Results from these tests are used confidently by local state and federal public health agriculture food regulatory environmental protection and law enforcement officials serving to protect our citizens food supply environment and commerce. DCLS is a member of several public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealths environmental laboratory accreditation program.

As a member of the Microbial Reference Group the Senior Scientist will provide technical oversight expertise guide and perform high complexity testing to support the Enteric Bacteriology Laboratory.

This Senior Scientist will implement and actively participate in training and competency programs quality assurance initiatives new method validations coordinate daily workflows and review analytical results. This Senior Scientist routinely interacts with internal and external customers and provides continual support to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision from the group manager.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform highly complex analyses throughout pre-analytical analytical and post-analytical phases of testing.
• Support the DCLS Quality Management System in the performance of moderate to highly complex laboratory testing to ensure the accuracy and integrity of DCLS laboratory test results.
• Support the needs of both internal and external customers and the Division while utilizing appropriate and professional verbal and written communications.
• Functions effectively as the team leader for the area assigned by showing professionalism leadership and attention to detail so that group and division goals are met.
• Maintain a safe and secure work environment.

Some weekends holidays after hours as well as on-call work is required.

This position will be in Richmond Virginia and must report on-site.

Weve got great benefits!

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing pre-tax spending accounts paid life insurance paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits paid holidays vacation and other leave benefits wellness programs and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally supplemental bus passes ride share or parking are available and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet the education and experience or training requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standard for general supervisors in a high complexity microbiological laboratory as defined in 42 CFR 493.1461.
• Experience with laboratory safety practices
• Experience operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Experience performing and documenting QA/QC procedures and interpreting QC data/results
• Experience independently performing high complexity microbiological testing in a BSL-2 laboratory including pathogen identification from clinical cultures.
• Experience training leading coordinating and prioritizing the work of others.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both written and orally

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations

• Meet bacteriology subspecialty requirements for technical supervisor as defined by CLIA
• Experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
• Experience with molecular methods and procedures
• Experience with the development and validation of new methods including analysis and interpretation of complex data.
• Experience writing standard operating procedures
• Experience effectively implementing corrections corrective actions and preventive actions in a laboratory.

Special Instructions

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via .

Fax e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office or .

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received but this position may be closed at any time after Tuesday December 3 2025.

Please refer to the Your Application page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at for assistance.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employees Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e. weather-related closures/delays holidays etc.) unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act Federal Select Agent Program and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLSs ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health safety and security of the public. As such DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture distribution dispensation possession or use of alcohol marijuana or other drugs prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol marijuana or any controlled substances (including but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles in the workplace or on DCLS premises or when performing official work duties.

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups individuals with disabilities veterans and individuals with AmeriCorps Peace Corps and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information
Name: DGS Human Resources
Phone:
Email:

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone:

Email:

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.