Senior Scientist, Microbial Reference & Mycobacteria

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking a Senior Scientist in the Microbial Reference Group (DCLS) in Richmond, VA. The role focuses on Mycobacteriology within the Microbial Reference Group, performing high-complexity testing and leading a team in a state public health lab.

The candidate will work on on-site duties at the Richmond facility, with responsibilities spanning method validation, SOP updates, and QA support, ensuring accurate, timely results for statewide partners, while adhering to

Qualifications

• Meets CLIA general supervisor education/experience requirements for high complexity microbiology labs.
• Experience with QA/QC procedures and data interpretation.
• Experience performing high complexity microbiology testing in BSL-2 environments.
• Experience with clinical microbiology cultures and pathogen identification.
• Experience using LIMS and lab information systems.
• Experience leading/training staff and coordinating team workload.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and emergency moderate-to-high complexity lab testing with accuracy and efficiency.
• Document processes, organize workflows, and prioritize daily tasks to meet turnaround times.
• Lead by training others and reviewing work to ensure data accuracy within LIMS.
• Troubleshoot microbiological and molecular test methods and instruments.
• Assist with validation/verification of new instrumentation and methods.
• Review and revise standard operating procedures.
• Support QA efforts to ensure testing standards, accuracy, and reliability.
• Maintain a safe and compliant work environment following SOPs and safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership training

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Safety awareness

On-call readiness

Education

CLIA general supervisor qualification

Tools

LIMS

Molecular testing instrumentation

Job description

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking a Senior Scientist in the Microbial Reference Group (DCLS) in Richmond, VA. The role focuses on Mycobacteriology within the Microbial Reference Group, performing high-complexity testing and leading a team in a state public health lab.

The candidate will work on on-site duties at the Richmond facility, with responsibilities spanning method validation, SOP updates, and QA support, ensuring accurate, timely results for statewide partners, while adhering to