Principal Scientist (Advanced Molecular Detection Training) - CR563

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

15d•$89,000 - $102,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a Principal Scientist for Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Training in the Sequencing & Bioinformatics Group at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) in Richmond, Virginia. The role identifies and addresses workforce-development training needs among DCLS and external partners for applying AMD technologies to infectious diseases, and serves as a primary liaison with state and CDC partners on AMD workforce-development activities. The position facilitates all aspects of AMD training sessions and workshops, develops communication and training materials, maintains relationships with state, federal, and academic partners, and contributes to national collaborations advancing next-generation sequencing at state public health laboratories. It also provides consultation on complex laboratory analyses, develops improved testing methodologies or services, and performs sequencing, genomic analysis, or report generation for routine investigations as needed. This is a full-time, restricted position funded by a federal grant; continued employment depends on continued availability of funding. The position is eligible 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 essential personnel and may be required to report during state-authorized closings or delays. The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Visa sponsorship is not provided.

Requirements

Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for 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 different technical backgrounds.
Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions, and providing interpretations of data.
Knowledge of the theory and application of bioinformatics analysis of infectious disease genomes, including experience performing bioinformatics analysis of genomes.
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 how to properly document and interpret QC data.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
Skill in operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment and associated computer systems for specimen analysis and reporting results.
Demonstrated project-management skills and capacity 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 the ability to identify errors and solve problems.
Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment, including 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 in 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 and/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 and facilitation, post-training grant reporting, and listserv management.
Collaborate within the Sequencing & Bioinformatics Group and with DCLS Group Managers to develop communication materials and training for internal and external partners on AMD projects and pathogen groups.
Prepare 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 advance the development and implementation of next-generation sequencing at state public health laboratories.
Consult with laboratory personnel to ensure proper performance of highly complex analyses, and/or perform those analyses across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing as needed.
Design and conduct investigative work to develop improved 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.
Hepatitis B vaccine offered by DCLS.