Apply to be Group Manager for the Microbial Reference Group! 

Title: Group Manager (Microbial Reference)

State Role Title: Scientific Manager I

Hiring Range: $98,000 - $113,000

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY (MUST BE A CURRENT DGS EMPLOYEE TO BE CONSIDERED)

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services is seeking a Group Manager for the Microbial Reference Group.  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.

As part of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services the Microbial Reference Group Manager will be responsible for personnel management, budget, workflow, quality control, training and safety.  The Group Manager will ensure efficient, effective, and timely processing of specimens; oversee accreditation processes, evaluate and improve technical procedures; develop costs; monitor billing and group expenditures.  Additional responsibilities include maintaining the lab computer system, preparing administrative reports, communicating with customers, identifying problems and implementing resolutions.    

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Personnel Management
• Workplace safety & compliance
• Fiscal Management
• Quality Assurance & Training
• Customer Service

This position will be located 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

Qualifications meeting requirements for Technical Supervisor as defined by CLIA in 42 CFR 493.1449 (ex: Have earned a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution AND at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing).

▪      Considerable knowledge of microbiology
▪      Skills with supervisory management and team leadership
▪      Knowledge of general fiscal management
▪      Ability to coordinate, lead, and prioritize work of others
▪      Ability to train, coach, and mentor personnel
▪      Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (i.e., CLIA), QA/QC, and the ability to interpret QC data
▪      Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
▪      Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing 

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

▪      Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of clinical laboratory science or biology
▪      Experience performing laboratory quality or safety audits and implementing corrections
▪      Experience authoring or editing laboratory documents or grants
▪      Experience presenting information to a variety of audiences
▪      Experience operating or troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment
▪      Leadership or management experience in a clinical laboratory
▪      Experience with computers or laboratory information management systems

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. 

THIS POSTITION OPEN TO:  AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY (MUST BE A CURRENT DGS EMPLOYEE TO BE CONSIDERED)

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 Monday September 22, 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.

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 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 between 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