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Senior Scientist - Microbial Reference - CL050

5095299
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Department of General Services
Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
Public Safety
Full-Time (Salaried)

Department of General Services

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) standard for general supervisors in a high complexity microbiological laboratory as defined in 42 CFR 493.1461.
Experience with laboratory safety practices
Experience operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
Experience performing and documenting QA/QC procedures and interpreting QC data/results
Experience independently performing high complexity microbiological testing in a BSL-2 laboratory, including pathogen identification from clinical cultures.
Experience training, leading, coordinating and prioritizing the work of others.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both written and orally

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

Meet bacteriology subspecialty requirements for technical supervisor as defined by CLIA
Experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
Experience with molecular methods and procedures
Experience with the development and validation of new methods, including analysis and interpretation of complex data.
Experience writing standard operating procedures
Experience effectively implementing corrections, corrective actions, and preventive actions in a laboratory.

Special Instructions

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after Tuesday December 3, 2025.

Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.

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. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties.

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information
Name: DGS Human Resources
Phone: 804-786-3910
Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: 804-786-3910

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer