Scientist I

Title: Scientist - CL623

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $59,000 - $74,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) seeks to hire a qualified candidate to serve as a Scientist I in the Microbial Reference Group. This Scientist will perform high complexity testing in the Enteric Bacteriology Laboratory. This position performs highly technical and specialized testing to detect, identify, and further characterize bacterial pathogens that cause gastrointestinal disease in humans and are routinely part of outbreak investigations. Bacterial culture and testing is performed on clinical stool specimens and bacterial isolates. Testing includes conventional culture techniques, mass spectrometry, and molecular methods. This Scientist will participate in cross-training opportunities, quality assurance and safety initiatives, and assist in method validation and implementation. This Scientist routinely collaborates with other testing groups at DCLS and assists with providing support to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision from the group manager.

Some weekend, holiday, and on call work is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet the education, and experience or training requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standard for high complexity testing personnel as defined in 42 CFR 493.1489.
• Knowledge of microbiology.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety.
• Knowledge of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with laboratory safety practices and laboratory operations.
• Experience independently performing high complexity testing in a BSL-2 laboratory.
• Experience with clinical microbiological cultures, pathogen identification, and molecular methods.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience performing and documenting QA and QC and interpreting QC data/results.
• Experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.