Scientist I - CL642

Scientist I - CL642

The Microbiology 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 threaten 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.

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $58,000 - $72,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) seeks to hire a qualified candidate to serve as a Scientist I in the Microbial Reference Group. This Scientist will perform high complexity testing in the Mycobacteriology Laboratory. This position performs clinical specimen culture to isolate and further characterize Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and other nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Testing includes conventional culture techniques, molecular methods, and antimycobacterial susceptibility testing of MTBC. Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratory work is required for this position. This Scientist will participate in cross-training opportunities, quality assurance and safety initiatives, and assist in method validation and implementation. This Scientist routinely collaborates with other testing groups at DCLS and assists with providing support to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision from the group manager.

Some weekend, holiday, and on call work is required.
 

Minimum Qualifications

• 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
   
• Knowledge of microbiology.
   
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety.
   
• Ability to communicate effectively.
   

Additional Considerations

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

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. DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  

Qualified state employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). As a full-time employee with the Virginia Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, you may be able to take advantage of this program! Visit the site Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for more information including eligibility requirements.