Principal Scientist (Advanced Molecular Detection Training) - CR563

DHRM • Richmond, VA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of General Services’ Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is hiring a Principal Scientist for Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Training. As part of the Sequencing & Bioinformatics Group, this position identifies and addresses workforce-development training needs among DCLS and external partners applying AMD technologies to infectious diseases. The role also serves as a primary liaison to state and CDC partners, providing guidance and expertise in AMD workforce development.

The position facilitates all aspects of AMD training sessions and workshops, develops communications and training materials, maintains partnerships, and participates in national collaborations supporting next-generation sequencing at state public health laboratories. It also provides consultation on complex laboratory analyses and may conduct testing, sequencing, genomic analysis, investigative work, and report generation as needed.

This is a full-time, restricted position funded by a federal grant; continued employment depends on continued funding. It is based in Richmond, Virginia, with eligibility for a hybrid telework schedule of up to one day per week after six months of satisfactory performance and completion of a Telework Agreement. DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel and may be required to report during authorized state closures or delays.

Requirements

• Meet CLIA requirements for a General Supervisor in a high-complexity testing laboratory as defined by 42 CFR 493.1461.
• Work-related experience in molecular biology testing, including next-generation sequencing.
• Considerable experience training staff and assessing laboratory competencies.
• Experience developing science or health communication and training materials for audiences with different technical backgrounds.
• Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions, and interpreting data.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of bioinformatics analysis of infectious disease genomes, including experience performing genomic bioinformatics analysis.
• Ability to manage the design of comprehensive training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance and outbreak response.
• Ability to host training sessions on bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing, and genomic surveillance techniques.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and proper documentation and interpretation of QC data.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Skill operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment and associated computer systems used to analyze specimens and report results.
• Demonstrated project-management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, follow procedures, and prioritize work.
• Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills, including identifying errors and solving problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not provided.
• Must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing comprehensive training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance, outbreak response, or a related topic.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language, such as Perl or Python, and Unix operating systems.
• Proficiency with at least one workflow manager, such as Nextflow, Snakemake, or WDL, and containerized software, such as Docker or Singularity.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving issues associated with databases and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience working in a public health laboratory or public health setting.
• Experience implementing complex bioinformatics solutions with limited supervision.
• Experience performing high-complexity, high-volume molecular testing.
• Experience writing grant proposals or assisting with grant-writing efforts.
• Experience with CLIA regulations and audits.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate all aspects of AMD training sessions and workshops, including site selection, approvals, budgeting, program development and evaluation, speaker agreements, special events, registration, on-site logistics, travel and housing arrangements, call hosting, grant reporting, and listserv management.
• Collaborate with the Sequencing & Bioinformatics Group and DCLS Group Managers to develop and assemble communications and training materials for internal and external partners on AMD projects and pathogen groups.
• Develop materials such as situation reports, one-page information sheets, and presentations to educate stakeholders about infectious disease genomics.
• Maintain relationships with state, federal, and academic partners involved in public health workforce development for AMD activities.
• Participate in national collaborations to further develop and implement next-generation sequencing at state public health laboratories.
• Consult with laboratory personnel to ensure proper performance of highly complex analyses across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases, and perform analyses as needed.
• Design and conduct investigative work to improve testing methodologies or services and provide data for approved public health surveillance and research activities as needed.
• Perform sequencing, genomic analysis, or report generation for routine investigations as needed.

Benefits

• State employee benefits package, including leave, healthcare, and retirement.
• 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.
• State retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings, including employer matching.
• Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed