Principal Scientist - CR560

Are you passionate about laboratory science and quality assurance? We’re seeking a skilled professional to lead technical performance, ensure compliance with TNI standards, and drive innovation in inorganic testing. This role offers the opportunity to manage complex analyses, mentor staff, and contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.

Shape the Future of Environmental Testing—Join Our Team as a Principal Scientist!

Title: Principal Scientist (Inorganic Nonmetals/Water Micro) – CR560 

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $86,000 - $99,000

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 Principal Scientist in the Inorganic Nonmetals/Water Micro 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.

The Inorganic Nonmetals and Water Micro Group provides high volume chemical testing of surface water, sediments, recreational waters and potable waters. This group provides certified laboratory data to multiple state agencies including Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water to ensure the citizens of the Commonwealth have access to safe drinking and recreational waters.

As a Principal in the Inorganic Nonmetals/Water Micro Group, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide technical leadership, troubleshooting, and project management.
• Independently perform highly complex testing and analysis.
• Identifies QA/QC deficiencies to management, in writing and presents alternative corrective actions, preventive actions or corrections to improve quality.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Completes audit training, conducts QA audits, and presents reports.
• Independently prepare well written specifications for instrumentation purchases, sole source procurements and provide support for the group’s procurement process.
• Provides technical training regarding new projects and methods.

Minimum Requirements:

• Meet the educational and work experience requirements for Inorganics Technical Manager as defined by the 2016 TNI Standard EL-V1M2-2016-Rev2.1 section 5.2.6.1.
• Considerable experience with quantitative analyses, and analysis methods for potable and non-potable water related to regulated inorganics testing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application of chemical and/or microbiological principles in a compliance laboratory setting.  
• Experience with validation/verification of reference methods and method development.   
• Skill in the application and operation of complex laboratory equipment as necessary for the analysis of samples and reporting of test results in an inorganic testing laboratory.  
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious or toxic materials, as applicable including use of facility controls as applicable.  
• Experience with troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions and providing interpretations of data within the guidelines of a quality system.
• Strong communication and computer skills to provide consultation to customers or internal clients relating to sample submission, testing and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of QA/QC, mathematics, and basic statistics.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed. 

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