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? The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Microbial Reference Group at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS)—one of the most advanced and diverse state laboratories in the nation. If you're passionate about public health, scientific excellence, and making a real impact, this is your opportunity to lead high complexity testing that supports the Commonwealth’s critical diagnostic missions.

 

Title: Senior Scientist (Microbial Reference) – CL050

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $69,000 - $83,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

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 Commonwealth's 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 Commonwealth’s 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.

We’ve 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)