Senior Scientist (Newborn Screening) - CL538

Are you a Scientist with interest in quality assurance, biochemistry, chemistry, and molecular biology testing?

Come join DGS as a Senior Scientist in our Newborn Screening Group! 

Title: Senior Scientist (Newborn Screening) – CL538

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

DGS is seeking a Senior Scientist for our Newborn Screening Laboratory at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). This position serves as a Senior Scientist. This position oversees quality assurance (QA) efforts for the NBS Group and the performance of filter paper blood spot analysis for a variety of genetic disorders as required by the Code of Virginia.  

Virginia’s Newborn Screening Program is a partnership between DCLS and the Virginia Department of Health to screen each baby born in Virginia for certain rare yet serious metabolic and genetic disorders. Babies with these disorders may look healthy at birth but can suffer devastating consequences, even death, if the disorder goes untreated. The Newborn Screening Group works with various platforms including mass spectrometry, electrophoresis, microfluidics, automated immunoassays, and molecular techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.

As a member of the Newborn Screening laboratory team, this Senior Scientist will support customer service efforts, oversee quality assurance efforts, review analytical results, write, review and update SOPs, train staff, act as a technical specialist and prioritize, schedule and coordinate testing performed by other staff members, as needed. This position will also participate in product evaluations, method analysis, and maintain competency according to the agency accreditation requirements. These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision from the Group Manager.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Independently performs moderate and highly complex testing accurately.
• Support the DCLS Quality Management System to ensure the accuracy and integrity of DCLS laboratory test results.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, monitors repair services for and documents instrument, equipment, method problems, and service requests.
• Monitors and maintains a current inventory of testing supplies and materials.

• In addition, some weekend and holiday work as well as on-call coverage is required.

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 Requirements

• Candidate must meet the requirements for technical supervisor in a high complexity testing laboratory as defined by 42 CFR 493.1449.
• Candidate must demonstrate significant knowledge and experience in clinical laboratory testing.
• Experience training staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to apply safe laboratory practices.
• Experience with QA and QC procedures and ability to document and interpret QC data.
• Ability to work a set schedule for Monday through Friday, with some weekend and holiday work as well as on-call coverage.

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

• Knowledge and experience with high complexity, high volume clinic