Scientist (Food Safety & Security) CL032 & CL070

Looking to make a real impact on public health? The Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is hiring a Scientist I to join our Food Safety & Security Group, supporting statewide laboratory testing that protects the health and safety of communities across the Commonwealth.

Title: Scientist (Food Microbiology) – CL032 & CL070

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $76,000

Pay Band: 4

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 two experienced candidates to serve as a Food Microbiology Scientists in the Food Safety & Security 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 Food Safety & Security Group at DCLS provides a wide variety of laboratory testing for local, state and federal agencies in support of food safety and security and the testing of food and other Commodity testing at DCLS is performed to assure quality of foods and other products (animal feeds, fertilizers, etc.) to ensure they are free from microbiological and chemical contamination (natural and intentional), filth, metals, and other adulterants. Food, feed and fertilizer products are analyzed for truth in labeling which is important for the health and safety of our citizens, our livestock and our environment but also important economically to the Commonwealth. The ability of VDACS to take regulatory action when food safety violations occur requires that DCLS maintain an expanded list of methods on our scope of accreditation which include both high volume tests and infrequently used tests.

The Food Microbiology laboratory uses classical microbiology and advanced laboratory testing methods to identify harmful pathogens, toxins, and adulterants in the food supply commercially sold in Virginia.  Laboratory testing is routinely performed in support of:

• Food surveillance activities by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
• Food recalls occurring locally or nationally
• Foodborne outbreak investigations by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) or other state and federal public health partners

As a Food Microbiology Scientist in the Food Safety & Security Group, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform highly complex testing, meet turnaround and holding times, manage workload priorities, maintain chain of custody, and ensure data integrity in LIMS.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of test results, performing QA/QC procedures, troubleshooting methods, documenting maintenance, and supporting staff training.
• Maintain professional relationships and provide responsive support to internal and external customers.
• Support DCLS mission through effective teamwork.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and compliant work environment.

This position is in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

Minimum Requirements:

• Knowledge of the theory and application of chemical, microbiological and molecular principles
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and equipment
• Experience independently performing moderate to high complexity testing and routine chemistry analysis
• Ability to follow procedures, prioritize work and identify errors
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
• Ability to lift 30 pounds

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

DGS offers excellent health benefits at