Senior Scientist - CL037

Come join DGS as Senior Scientist in Food Microbiology!!

 

Title: Senior Scientist (Food Microbiology)

State Role Title: Scientist II

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

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking a Senior Scientist to work in the Food Microbiology section of the Food Safety Group. The Food Microbiology laboratory performs classical and advanced microbiology testing on food and environmental samples for the presence of bacterial agents or associated toxins during foodborne outbreaks or in support of food recalls under investigation by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). 

As the Virginia State Laboratory, DCLS provides high quality and timely analytical testing, consultation, training, quality assurance, certification and research for the Commonwealth of Virginia, other States, and Federal Agencies. Our mission includes maintaining emergency response capability for various health and environmental emergencies, enhancing the community’s health, protecting the environment, and supporting the agricultural sector of commerce.

The Senior Scientist will be responsible for leading and prioritizing the work of the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Performs emergency response and routine surveillance testing for the isolation, characterization, and subtyping of foodborne and other environmental pathogens. The individual must be able to create and follow standard operating procedures (SOP), adhere to safety protocols, review and approve the work of others and train scientists.  In addition, duties include method validation and implementation, performing and overseeing QA/QC procedures in support of ISO 17025 standards, maintaining accurate records, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and support equipment.

This position exercises a high degree of independence and technical expertise. These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision from the group manager.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and prioritizing the work of others
• Perform high complexity testing
• Quality Assurance & training
• Customer service & communication
• Maintain a safe and secure work environment
• Validation & verification of new methods

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

• Knowledge in the theory and application of microbiology and molecular biology laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Experience leading, coordinating and prioritizing the work of others.
• Experience performing moderate to high complexity laboratory testing and analysis.
• Experience with troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Experience in documenting and performing QA/QC procedures and interpreting QC data/results.
• Ability to independently create standard laboratory procedures for sample processing, testing, reporting results and record retention.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively.

This position will require work to be performed in a BSL-3 laboratory if testing high-priority samples that may contain agents requiring higher levels of containment.

After-hours and weekend work is required on a rotating schedule.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now