Senior Scientist

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidate must meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for a technical supervisor in a high complexity-testing laboratory as defined by 42 CFR 493.1489
• Demonstrated ability to follow and apply safe laboratory practices and protocols.
• Demonstrate significant knowledge and experience of microbiological, molecular biology, or medical sciences.
• Experience with quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures and ability to document and interpret QC data.
• Skill and ability to coordinate, lead, organize and prioritize work of others.
• Effective and professional oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and independently.
• Ability to work weekends, after-hours as well as on-call coverage.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a biosafety level three (BSL-3) environment.
• Experience working with Select Agents
• Experience performing Polymerase Chain Reaction (Standard and Real-Time) testing.
• Experience performing conventional microbiological procedures.
• Experience performing immunoassays.
• Experience with computer interfaced instrumentation.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Experience with operating and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation.

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. DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  

Qualified state employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). As a full-time employee with the Virginia Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, you may be able to take advantage of this program! Visit the site Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for more information including eligibility requirements.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a 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.

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 pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Fax, e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted. The online State application must contain all required information and fully respond to the questions to be considered for this job opportunity.

For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office at jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or call 804-786-3910.

Applications will be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received. After 5 business days, this position may be closed at any time.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.

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.

Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratory work is necessary for this position. The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard is required which involves passing a respiratory physical prior to working in a BSL-3 laboratory. The respiratory physical will be provided by the employer.

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.

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 between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.