Scientist (Microbial Reference) – CL550
About The Position
The Virginia Department of General Services is seeking a Scientist to join the Microbial Reference Group at the Commonwealth’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). DCLS performs testing in support of public health, agriculture, food regulation, environmental protection, and law enforcement agencies. The Microbial Reference Group tests for bacterial and fungal pathogens in human and environmental samples, including pathogens associated with emerging infectious diseases, gastrointestinal illness outbreaks, autopsies, suspicious deaths, and potential biological threats. The Scientist will perform high-complexity testing in the Mycobacteriology Laboratory to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The position is based on-site in Richmond, Virginia. DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel and may be required to report during state-authorized closings or delays. Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) work may be required; working in a BSL-3 laboratory requires passing a respiratory physical, which the employer provides.
Requirements
- Meet the education and experience or training requirements for high-complexity testing personnel under CLIA, 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 pounds.
- Ability to work occasional after-hours and/or weekends as needed for emergency coverage and workflow.
- Must report on-site in Richmond, Virginia.
- Must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Must pass a respiratory physical before working in a BSL-3 laboratory, if such work is required.
Nice To Haves
- 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).
Responsibilities
- Perform moderate- and high-complexity testing while meeting turnaround and holding times, managing workload priorities, maintaining chain of custody, and ensuring data integrity in LIMS.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of test results by 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 the DCLS mission through effective teamwork.
- Help ensure a safe, secure, and compliant work environment.
Benefits
- 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.
- Supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking.
- Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Blood-borne pathogen training provided by the employer.
- Hepatitis B vaccine offered by DCLS.
- Respiratory physical provided by the employer for required BSL-3 work.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
