Job Title: Scientist I
Location: Richmond, USA
About: The Virginia State Laboratory, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), is one of the largest public consolidated laboratories in the United States. With over 200 scientific and support staff, DCLS provides chemical & microbiological testing services to local, state, and federal regulatory, environmental & public health agencies. Located in historic downtown Richmond, our laboratory is adjacent to the State Capitol grounds. Beaches, mountains, Colonial Williamsburg, and Washington D.C. are less than a two-hour drive.
The Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratories (DCLS) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Scientist I in the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Group (SBG).
The selected candidate will perform Next-Generation Sequencing on a variety of sample types for the characterization of agents of public health significance, including but not limited to SARS-CoV-2, enteric bacterial pathogens, and bacterial pathogens causing Hospital-Acquired Infections. Duties will also include assisting with the development and validation of new methods, performing QA/QC procedures, maintaining laboratory supply inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining accurate records, and maintenance of equipment.
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 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site for more information including eligibility requirements. Minimum qualifications potential candidate must possess the following minimum qualifications:
- Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for high complexity testing personnel as defined in 42 CFR 493.1489
- Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious, or toxic materials, and mechanical and facility controls, as applicable
- Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and mechanical equipment, including troubleshooting
- Ability to perform and document QA and QC procedures and interpret QC data/results
- Ability to compile and formulate data, draw conclusions and provide data interpretation
- Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
Preferred qualifications include:
- Work-related experience with Nucleic Acid Extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Next Generation Sequencing technologies/platforms
- Experience with bioinformatics software or computerized DNA sequencing data analysis
- Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Experience working in a TNI, ISO 17025 or CLIA accredited laboratory
- Experience working successfully in a fast-paced, team environment
Special Requirements Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at the time of hire.
The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
This position requires some weekend, and after-hours work.
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.
Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office before the closing of the posting, by 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.
Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. To comply with OSHA bloodborne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine. Special Instructions to Applicants
Link to Job: Scientist I | Job on Virginia Bio-Connect (vabioconnect.org)
About NAIPI: About NAIPI