Senior Scientist - CL037

Come join DGS as Senior Scientist in Food Microbiology!!

• Title: Senior Scientist (Food Microbiology)
• State Role Title: Scientist II
• Hiring Range: $69,000 - $83,000
• Pay Band: 5
• Agency: Department of General Services
• Location: Richmond, VA
• Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov
• Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking a Senior Scientist to work in the Food Microbiology section of the Food Safety Group. The Food Microbiology laboratory performs classical and advanced microbiology testing on food and environmental samples for the presence of bacterial agents or associated toxins during foodborne outbreaks or in support of food recalls under investigation by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). 

As the Virginia State Laboratory, DCLS provides high quality and timely analytical testing, consultation, training, quality assurance, certification and research for the Commonwealth of Virginia, other States, and Federal Agencies. Our mission includes maintaining emergency response capability for various health and environmental emergencies, enhancing the community’s health, protecting the environment, and supporting the agricultural sector of commerce.

The Senior Scientist will be responsible for leading and prioritizing the work of the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Performs emergency response and routine surveillance testing for the isolation, characterization, and subtyping of foodborne and other environmental pathogens. The individual must be able to create and follow standard operating procedures (SOP), adhere to safety protocols, review and approve the work of others and train scientists.  In addition, duties include method validation and implementation, performing and overseeing QA/QC procedures in support of ISO 17025 standards, maintaining accurate records, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and support equipment.

This position exercises a high degree of independence and technical expertise. These duties are performed independently with minimal supervision from the group manager.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and prioritizing the work of others
• Perform high complexity testing
• Quality Assurance & training
• Customer service & communication
• Maintain a safe and secure work environment
• Validation & verification of new methods

This position will be in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

We’ve got great benefits!

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. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge in the theory and application of microbiology and molecular biology laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Experience leading, coordinating and prioritizing the work of others.
• Experience performing moderate to high complexity laboratory testing and analysis.
• Experience with troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Experience in documenting and performing QA/QC procedures and interpreting QC data/results.
• Ability to independently create standard laboratory procedures for sample processing, testing, reporting results and record retention.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively.

This position will require work to be performed in a BSL-3 laboratory if testing high-priority samples that may contain agents requiring higher levels of containment.

After-hours and weekend work is required on a rotating schedule.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations

• Experience testing food and/or environmental samples
• Experience working in a biosafety level three (BSL-3) environment.
• Experience working with toxin detection or other immunoassay methods.
• Experience working in an accredited quality environment
• Experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910. 

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after Tuesday October 7, 2025. Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.   

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratory work may be required, and the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard is required which involves passing a respiratory physical prior to working in a BSL-3 laboratory. The respiratory physical will be provided by the employer. 

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties. 

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply. 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

• Name: DGS Human Resources 
• Phone: 804-786-3910 
• Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov