Scientist (Microbial Reference) – CL550

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

State retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Parking or transit options

Job summary

Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) seeks a Scientist in the Microbial Reference Group for the DCLS. The role involves high-complexity testing of bacterial and fungal pathogens, with emphasis on Mycobacteriology, in a large statewide laboratory system.

On-site Richmond location and on-call coverage may apply. The candidate must meet CLIA high-complexity requirements, have strong QA/QC knowledge, and possess excellent written and verbal communication.

Qualifications

• Meet the education and training requirements of CLIA high-complexity testing personnel.
• Experience with QA/QC procedures and laboratory safety practices.
• Knowledge of microbiology and good communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site in Richmond, VA.

Responsibilities

• Perform high and moderate complexity tests in the Microbial Reference Group.
• Ensure data integrity and proper QA/QC procedures.
• Maintain safety and compliance in a BSL-2/BSL-3 environment.
• Support internal and external customers and teamwork.
• Meet turnaround times and manage workload priorities.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Prioritize workload

Flexible after-hours

Education

CLIA high-complexity testing training

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Join Virginia’s State Laboratory and Make a Difference!

Title: Scientist (Microbial Reference) – CL550

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $62,000 - $78,000

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 a qualified candidate to serve as 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.

The Microbial Reference Group at DCLS provides laboratory testing services focused on the detection and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens that cause disease in humans, which could be present in the food we eat or in the environment. This group also has the responsibility for providing laboratory testing for high-consequence pathogens or pathogens that may be used as biological agents by terrorists or persons that want to threat or cause harm to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Human and environmental samples are tested routinely as part of investigations involving emerging infectious disease, gastrointestinal illnesses outbreaks and in support of autopsy and suspicious death investigations. The laboratory testing supports many local, state and federal agencies, as well as private and public laboratories throughout Virginia.

This Scientist will perform high complexity testing in the Mycobacteriology Laboratory detectingMycobacterium tuberculosis.

As a Mycobacteriology Scientist in the Microbial Reference Group, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform moderate and highly complex testing, meet turnaround and holding times, manage workload priorities, maintain chain of custody, 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.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.
• Experience with laboratory safety practices and laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of microbiology.
• Knowledge of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good technical skills and strong attention to detail, including the ability to follow procedures, identify errors, and problem-solve.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to occasionally handle, push, pull, and/or move 50 or more lbs.
• Ability to work occasional after-hours and/or weekends as needed for emergency coverage and workflow.

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

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.

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

• Experience independently performing high complexity testing in a BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 laboratory.
• Experience with clinical microbiological cultures and/or molecular methods.
• Experience with mycobacteriology and/or mycology and pathogen identification.
• 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)

Prior to your first day of employment, you will also be required to submit official attestations from the organizations at which qualifying training and/or experience was attained. Individuals who have degrees from foreign institutions must have an evaluation of their credentials to determine their education is equivalent to that of a United States (U.S.) institution. Please refer to section 493.2 in the Guidelines for Laboratories and Laboratory Services for additional information.

This position may be closed at any time after October 30th, 2026.

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.

Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratory work may be required and 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.

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.

From July 1, 2026, through January 21, 2029, applicants who were terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025 due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency may be eligible for HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration. Applicants seeking HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration must identify themselves within the state application process and provide supporting documentation, including a Standard Form 50 (SF-50), verifying their eligibility.

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.